MedManagement Quarterly

OFFICE TIPS

Strategies to Avoid No-Shows and Overbooking

1. Use automated phone systems and routine reminder cards.
2. There should be penalties for missed appointments and no shows.
3. Penalties could include:  fees, "same day only" appointments and even out right dismissal from the practice.
4. Use modified schedules particularly open or advanced access models.    
5. The worst way to overbook is doubling up on existing appointment slots. 
6. Double booking almost guarentees running late throughout the day.
7. Analyze what type of appointments do not show up.  Analyze the "waiting experience" and adjust.