Try wave scheduling to improve on-time performance

Most doctors’ office hours are on a so-called “stream” approach whereby patients are scheduled in equal intervals throughout each office session. Thus a doctor may be committed to see patients at 9:00, 9:10, 9:20, 9:30, and so on — regardless of the variations among those patients. Little wonder that the late arrivals and time-consuming patient problems compound themselves as the day progresses.

“Wave scheduling” takes a different appointment approach. It calls for scheduling a number of patients at one time and none in the succeeding time slots. The expectation is that visits will average out in time usage.

In wave scheduling, you bring in an hour’s worth of patients at the top of the hour, and see each in turn. Modified wave scheduling books smaller groups of patients at intervals throughout the hour. Both methods keep a ready supply of patients on hand while minimizing the physician’s downtime caused by no-shows and late arrivals.

About the Author

Reed Tinsley CPA

This article is written by Reed Tinsley, a Houston, TX-based CPA with over 30 years of experience advising physicians and medical practices across Texas and the United States. Reed holds certifications as a Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA), Certified Healthcare Business Consultant (CHBC), and Certified Financial Planner (CFP), specializing exclusively in the healthcare sector. He is a published author, nationally recognized speaker, and trusted advisor to physicians on accounting & tax, practice management, and financial planning. Schedule a Free Consultation.