Question

For the following situations, briefly explain which type of scheduling system you would choose and why:

A four-provider practice has only two providers seeing patient at one time. Three medical assistants share front- and back-office duties for all of the providers.

An obstetrics practice specializes in problem pregnancies. There is one administrative and one clinical medical assistant.

Answer 1

I will choose Time-Specified (Stream) Scheduling:

Time-specified scheduling, also known as stream scheduling, involves scheduling appointments at a specific time. Most offices use this method for scheduling appointments. The goal of time-specified appointments is to minimize the waiting time for the patient and at the same time to keep a steady flow of patients moving through the office. The amount of time allotted for a time-specified appointment depends on the reason for the visit. In general, the following times are allotted:

• New patient: 30 to 45 minutes.

• Complete physical examination: 30 to 45 minutes.

• Established patient: 10 to 20 minutes.

When using the time-specified method, the medical assistant needs to make sure to allow time in the schedule to accommodate urgent visits, such as ill or injured patients.

Due to limited manpower we can manage the patients well by using Time specified scheduling.