Medical Office Scheduling Methods

Questions and Answers

What does a scheduling matrix identify?

A list of all medical procedures

A pattern of working and nonworking hours (correct)

The schedule of appointments for the day

The specific needs of each patient

What is stream scheduling?

Each patient is given a predetermined appointment time based on status and needs.

What does wave scheduling assume?

Not everyone will be on time.

What is modified wave scheduling?

Schedules patients at regular intervals within a given hour, for example, every 15 minutes. Signup and view all the answers

What is grouping scheduling?

Groups similar procedures at the same time or day of the week. Signup and view all the answers

What does double-booking mean?

Scheduling two patients in the same time slot for the same provider. Signup and view all the answers

What are open office hours?

All patients are walk-ins and are seen in the order in which they arrive. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term chronic refer to?

Continual or persistent conditions. Signup and view all the answers

What does acute mean in medical terms?

A sudden onset of symptoms such as sore throats or ear infections. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Scheduling Methods

Scheduling Matrix
- A visual tool that outlines working and nonworking hours in a medical office by marking blocks on a calendar.
Stream Scheduling
- Appointments are assigned specific times based on the patient's status and needs, promoting efficiency and organization.
Wave Scheduling
- Patients are scheduled in groups at the beginning of each hour, accounting for the likelihood of late arrivals.
Modified Wave Scheduling
- Patients are booked at regular intervals (e.g., every 15 minutes) within a designated hour to manage flow and wait times.
Grouping Scheduling
- Similar procedures are clustered together, such as scheduling all physical exams on Thursday afternoons, to streamline operations.
Double-Booking
- Involves scheduling two patients simultaneously for the same time slot with the same provider, which can maximize utilization but may lead to conflicts.
Open Office Hours
- Patients can walk in without appointments and are seen in the order they arrive, offering flexible access to care.

Patient Conditions

Chronic
- Refers to conditions that are long-lasting or persistent, requiring ongoing management.
Acute
- Pertains to sudden onset conditions characterized by rapid symptoms, such as sore throats or ear infections, typically needing immediate attention.

Description

Test your knowledge of various scheduling methods used in medical offices with this flashcard quiz. Learn about concepts such as scheduling matrix, stream scheduling, and wave scheduling. Perfect for students or professionals looking to refresh their understanding of scheduling techniques.