Why wave scheduling may improve on-time performance

Optimizing Patient Scheduling: Wave vs. Stream Approaches

Despite the clear benefits of customizing patients' appointment time slots, many doctors still operate on a so-called “stream” approach, simply scheduling patients in equal intervals throughout each office session. Thus, a doctor may be committed to see patients at 9 a.m., 9:10 a.m., 9:20 a.m., 9:30 a.m., and so on, regardless of the variations among those patients. Little wonder, then, that the late arrivals and time-consuming patient problems compound themselves as the day progresses.

Wave scheduling takes a different appointment approach, scheduling a number of patients at one time (hence, a “wave”) and none in the succeeding time slots, in the expectation that visits will average out in time usage. Thus you might 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 at intervals throughout the hour.

Both methods keep a ready supply of patients on hand while minimizing physician down time caused by no-shows and late arrivals. Although we still encounter some physicians and staff members who resist the approach, saying we have seen it applied successfully by a variety of practices.

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.