More on Appointment Scheduling

I read an article yesterday by Bill Hickey on one of Silkin Management Group’s blog site about patient scheduling. You can read that article at www.practicemanagementblog.com. I thought I’d offer some more information about patient scheduling for those interested.

As mentioned in the above referenced blog, our clients at Silkin Management Group are taught some key fundamentals about patient scheduling. Here is another tip that you might find useful in this area:

Never say “We have an open slot at…” or “When would you like to come in?” or “If there’s a cancellation we could fit you in earlier…” This is weak appointing and allows the patient to dictate how your day will be filled.

Offer the patient two options: “Doctor can see you at 10 a.m. on Thursday or 2 p.m. on Monday. Which would you prefer?” Give two specific times that you want to see filled. The great majority of patients, about 80%, will take one of the two options you’ve given them.

People respond well to good control – as examples: standing in a line at the theatre instead of bunched up at the ticket counter; following the “Please wait to be seated” sign at the restaurant; and waiting between the barriers at an amusement park. Offering two specific time slots is a way to run good control and you will find that patient/clients respond to this procedure as well.

Try it and I think you’ll find it will work in the great majority of cases. It will also help fill the empty appointment slots that you want filled. Clients at Silkin Management Group find it to be a very workable method of making appointments.

Eric Korb
Director Consultant

For more information about Silkin Management Group and its practice management program, visit our website at www.silkinmanagementgroup.com or email us at: info@silkinmanagementgroup.com