What is the procedure that marks a patient's entry into a health care facility called?

The procedure that marks a patient's entry into a health care facility is called admission. This process involves various steps, including the patient being registered, provided with necessary information about their stay, and assessed for their specific needs. Admission is a critical moment as it establishes the patient's official status within the facility and triggers the initiation of their care plan. It ensures that healthcare providers have all relevant information to deliver effective and personalized care right from the start.

In contrast, long-term care refers to various services that help individuals with disabilities or chronic illnesses, which is not specifically about the entry procedure. Discharge pertains to the process of a patient leaving the facility after treatment, while transfer relates to moving a patient from one care setting to another within or between health care facilities. Both discharge and transfer occur after admission, further emphasizing the significance of the admission process as the initial step in a patient's healthcare experience.