Patient appointment scheduling is an essential part of any healthcare practice. It can be a daunting task, but it is crucial to get it right.

Here are five best practices for managing patient appointments and scheduling:

1. Use patient scheduling software: Patient scheduling software can help you automate the scheduling process. Software products that let people choose from available time slots can help relieve the stress of finding appointment times. These products give the front staff time to think about appointment requests in terms of the overall schedule and ask providers about the appointment timing if there are scheduling conflicts. Self-serve scheduling helps patients feel like they have some autonomy about the appointment instead of feeling pushed into a time slot that is not best for their schedules.
2. Set clear appointment policies: Ensure your patients know what to expect when they schedule an appointment. Be sure any communication includes the types of appointments you offer, the length, and the cancellation policy. Providers should enforce strict policies that prevent front staff from providing medical advice or quoting fees. Take time to work out wording that redirects the patient to what they can expect, the excellent service they will receive, and the benefits of being a patient at the office.
3. Be flexible: Sometimes, patients need to reschedule their appointments. Be flexible and work with your patients to find a time that works for them. With this in mind, remember that broken appointments are costly, and the front staff should strategically schedule and look for ways to fill gaps created by no-shows. One creative solution for redeeming broken appointments is to offer patients already in for treatment some additional time to finish other treatments without rescheduling. If a patient is already numb in one quadrant, they may appreciate the doctor being willing to restore a tooth next door if extra time is available. Also, keep a list of people who are able and willing to come for treatment on short notice. Many retirees are flexible, and some patients who live close to the office or work from home may be able to fill in gaps quickly.
4. Communicate with patients: Keep your patients informed about their appointments. Send them reminders and confirm their appointments.
5. Track your appointment data: Track your appointment data to see how well your scheduling works. Tracking data will help you to identify areas where you can improve.

Following these best practices can improve your patient appointment scheduling and provide a better patient experience.

 

 

 

• Category: Business, Dental & Health Care