How long is the typical appointment duration for a new patient?

The typical appointment duration for a new patient is usually 60 minutes. This longer time frame is necessary because new patient visits often involve a comprehensive evaluation and detailed medical history taking. During this initial appointment, medical assistants and healthcare providers need to gather extensive information about the patient's health background, perform necessary assessments, and develop a preliminary care plan.

Additionally, this time allows for the healthcare provider to address any questions or concerns the patient may have, which is particularly important for establishing a good patient-provider relationship, especially for someone who is visiting a new practice. In general, medical practices allocate more time for new patients compared to established patients, who typically have shorter follow-up visits that require less extensive interaction.