Scheduling Appointments (2024)

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
PROCEDURES


Methods of Scheduling


1. Describe how scheduling appointments efficiently meets the needs of both physicians and patients.


2. Describe the correct use of appointment books and computer scheduling to make appointments.


3. Explain why the medical office must retain an updated copy of the daily appointment schedule.


Types of Scheduling


4. Describe several types of scheduling, including stream scheduling, wave scheduling, modified wave scheduling, double booking, open booking, and patient self-scheduling.


5. Identify types of patient appointments that may be clustered in the appointment schedule.


Setting up the Appointment Schedule


6. Identify factors to be considered when setting up the appointment schedule.
Set up the appointment schedule.

7. Explain how to set up the appointment schedule.


Making an Appointment


8. Differentiate between the information needed to make an appointment for a new patient and an established patient.
Make an appointment.

9. Differentiate among medical conditions that require emergency care, urgent care, and routine care.


10. Describe how to schedule appointments for individuals who are not patients.


Managing the Appointment Schedule


11. Describe the method for changing or canceling appointments.
Manage the appointment schedule.

12. Describe how to update the schedule on the day of the appointment and document changes.


13. Identify three methods to remind patients to make or keep appointments.


14. Describe how to store appointment books and daily schedules.


Scheduling Diagnostic Tests, Procedures, and Admissions


15. Identify how to schedule inpatient and outpatient diagnostic tests and procedures.
Schedule inpatient and outpatient diagnostic tests or procedures.

16. Identify how to schedule hospital admissions and surgery.
Schedule inpatient or outpatient surgery.