Number of encounters
What is the number of encounters?
The number of encounters is a financial metric tabulating the number of encounters for each patient or for the treatment of a specific condition. An encounter is defined as a visit where services are provided to the patient. Encounters may include medical or clinical assessments, exams, procedures, or the creation of treatment plans.
How can providers leverage the number of encounters in their analyses?
Number of encounters is a financial metric that can be useful when combined with other metrics. For instance, combining the number of encounters for a specific treatment with revenue per treatment can provide greater insight into how many encounters are needed to bring in the revenue. The greater the revenue per encounter, the better.
Furthermore, highlighting patients with a higher number of encounters can help healthcare organizations identify areas needing greater attention. For example, if a patient continually comes in because the physician cannot determine the cause of their symptoms, lowering the number of encounters would equate to an earlier diagnosis, improving patient satisfaction and treating them earlier, potentially improving their health outcomes.