Modular Design:
In order to compete with the private
sector through the National Health Plan,
Considering the increased focus on
primary care clinics must be designed to
primary care, a large portion of the space
take into account the patients personal
needs to be planned for this purpose.
and private surroundings.
There is a need, however, for
multifunctional space where specialty
SPACE PLANNING:
clinics meet less than daily and the space
is used for several types of clinics.
Functional space requirements for VA
clinics are based on leasing space. A full
Accessibility:
time clinic operates 5 days per week, 8.5
Public
Law
90-480
requires
all
hours each day.
To determine the
construction, renovation, or leasing with
appropriate space program, staffing
federal funds to meet Uniform Federal
projections by personnel category, and
Accessibility Standards (UFAS).
projected total outpatient visits per year
must be estimated.
Patient Privacy:
CBOC's should be designed in a series of
The Department of Veterans Affairs has
single function spaces. The spaces that
interpreted JCAHO requirements in the
comprise a CBOC are as follows: waiting
area of patient privacy and has stated
areas, reception area, interview room,
that "auditory and visual privacy during
medical record storage, x-ray storage, a
treatment" should be provided.
fee basis station, staff offices, exam
rooms, blood specimen room, screening
Cost:
room, consultation room, multipurpose
Satellite structures have lower building
procedure room, clean and soiled utility
requirements than do hospitals and
rooms, and supply storage areas.
therefore, substantially lower initial first
Support services (laboratory, pharmacy,
cost. Check your local applicable codes
and radiology services) will take place at
for the appropriate occupancy for your
the VAMC or on a contract basis.
project
Storage needs extend beyond dedicated
storage rooms.
Each exam room
requires storage for linens, supplies, and
refuse.
The patient sequence in a primary care
clinic is similar to a private doctor's office.
In general, the patient checks in with the
Medical Administrative Service (MAS) at
the reception desk, may be interviewed
by a nurse, visits with provider, and
checks out with the nurse and MAS.
VA Design Guide
Community Based Outpatient Clinic
PAGE 2-4
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