New York Codes, Rules and Regulations
Title 10 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Chapter V - Medical Facilities
Subchapter A - Medical Facilities-minimum Standards
Article 8 - New York State Annual Hospital Report
Part 441 - Definitions
Section 441.339 - Visit

The physical appearance of an outpatient at a hospital complex is recognized as contributing one visit regardless of the number of diagnostic and/or therapeutic services the patient receives or the number of sections (clinics), operating rooms, laboratories and treatment areas in which he/she receives them. The classification of the visit (i.e., emergency, clinic, etc.) will be determined by the first location where service is rendered. A patient referred from a physician's office exclusively for a specific ancillary service or services is classified as one referred ambulatory visit. A laboratory examination of a specimen sent in by a physician for his/her patient shall be included as one referred ambulatory visit.