Unit 39 Appointment Schedules Basic Principles of Scheduling

Unit 39 Appointment Schedules

Basic Principles of Scheduling Appointments • Scheduling appointments efficiently is important in any health care facility. • Done correctly, it eliminates long waiting times for patients and unscheduled time for health care personnel.

Basic Principles of Scheduling Appointments • In most health care agencies, appointment scheduling is done by computer. • Manual scheduling of appointments involves the use of an appointment book.

Basic Principles of Scheduling Appointments • In the example appointment schedule shown on the next slide, the left-hand column is marked with the time periods represented. • Each line equals a 15 -minute block of time. – If an appointment takes longer than 15 minutes, an arrow is drawn to indicate the time period needed.

Basic Principles of Scheduling Appointments

Appointment Schedules • Example: On the sample schedule shown previously, who has a 9: 30 appointment on Tuesday, and how long is the appointment? – Check the column for time and note what is listed: Matt Kiser has the 9: 30 appointment, and 15 minutes are blocked off for the appointment.

Practical Problem • Again using the sample appointment schedule for 6/23, when is Dennis Bartlett scheduled for his appointment, and for how long is his appointment scheduled?

Practical Problem • According to the schedule, Dennis Bartlett is scheduled for a 30 -minute appointment at 9: 45 a. m.