Which of the following best describes the status of Karyn Cassey during her visit?

The most accurate choice regarding Karyn Cassey’s status during her visit is that she is an established patient. An established patient is someone who has previously received care from the same healthcare provider and has an ongoing medical history or relationship with that provider. This status indicates that Karyn has already had visits before and, therefore, there is a continuity of care which allows the healthcare provider to have a background understanding of her medical needs.

Being classified as a new patient would mean that it is her first visit to the provider, which doesn't align with the context of an ongoing relationship that an established patient has. Similarly, a returning patient typically implies having been seen before but might suggest a larger gap or absence in care compared to an established patient. Lastly, a consult patient usually describes someone who is being referred for a specific opinion or guidance rather than a regular ongoing care visit. Thus, the appropriate designation in this context is that Karyn is an established patient.