Allegheny Health Network’s Bethel Park Health + Wellness Pavilion
Allegheny Health Network Sets New Standard for
Timely Access to Healthcare Services in Western Pennsylvania
Healthcare provider becomes region’s first to offer patients same-day
appointments for both primary and specialty care.
Allegheny Health Network (AHN) recently announced a bold
new step to greatly enhance the experience of patients who
seek access to the Network’s programs and services in the
greater Pittsburgh region. Starting January 23, patients who
call AHN by 11 a.m. requesting primary or specialty care
appointments will be offered one for that same afternoon.
AHN is the first healthcare provider in the region and among
the first nationally to improve the timeliness of healthcare
delivery by offering same-day appointments for both
primary and specialty care.
“Our goal is to provide patients with an exceptional
experience across every touchpoint within our Network.
Offering same-day appointments is a significant milestone,
and the first of many to come, in our efforts to exceed the
expectations of those we care for and further improve
the health of the communities we serve,” said Cynthia
Hundorfean, AHN president and CEO.
According to survey results recently published by Merritt
Hawkins, the average wait time to see a physician for five
medical specialties in 15 metropolitan areas across the
U.S. is 18.5 days. Kenyokee Crowell, senior vice president
of Clinical Access at AHN, said the Network’s same-day
appointment pledge reflects its commitment to delivering
the highest quality of care and service to patients every day.
“We understand how frustrating it can be having to wait
days or even weeks for a medical appointment and the
challenge that many people have fitting appointments
into their hectic schedules,” said Crowell. “The availability
of same-day appointments provides patients with a unique
level of convenience and peace of mind in knowing that
whenever they or someone in their family needs to see one
of our caregivers, they have the opportunity to do so within
hours of making the call.”
Patients can schedule a same-day appointment by calling
412-DOCTORS (412-362-8677) between 7 a.m. and
11 a.m., Monday through Friday. Based on the patient’s need,
AHN will find the most appropriate healthcare provider and
location based on the availability of services. The provider
could include a primary care physician, specialty physician,
nurse practitioner, or physician assistant.
Same-day appointments are scheduled on a first-come,
first-served basis. When patients call after 11 a.m., they are
offered either a same-day appointment pending availability,
or the next available appointment. Certain clinical needs
could result in an exception to the same-day commitment,
Crowell said. In this instance, the call will be triaged by a
member of the AHN Care Connect team.
Elie Aoun, MD, AHN medical director for Clinical Access,
said offering same-day appointments is consistent with the
Network’s patient-centered care philosophy.
“Expediting access to healthcare services positively impacts
the entire patient experience,” said Dr. Aoun. “By eliminating
long wait times for appointments and addressing a patient’s
health concerns in a more timely and well-coordinated
fashion, better clinical outcomes can ultimately be achieved.”
Dr. Aoun added that patients calling for appointments
who have an acute illness or injury may still be referred
to an urgent care center or emergency department if
their symptoms require it. He also said patients should
review their health insurance benefits to determine if pre-
authorization is required for a same-day appointment.
Bethel Park Health + Wellness Pavilion • 1000 Higbee Drive • Bethel Park, PA 15102
Contact us at AHN.org or call 412-DOCTORS (412-362-8677)