The single most important system in practice management is the scheduling system. In almost every business, time management controls all other systems. This means if you get the schedule right for your practice, all the other systems will benefit. If you don’t get it right, then other systems will not be able to reach their full potential.
Make room for emergency treatment. Emergencies are unpredictable and often resented by the front-desk staff. However, emergencies have a significant positive attribute: They have an extremely high case acceptance rate. Our observation over the years is that most emergency patients will accept treatment, especially if it is offered the same day. The front-desk staff should be ready to match emergencies with open time so that a simple diagnosis can be made, and treatment can be started or even completed that day.
Don’t forget to adjust senior patient appointments. Moving seniors’ appointments further ahead in the schedule is a solid strategy to fill in holes. Many senior patients have flexibility in their own schedules. If they receive a call from the practice in the morning for an opening at 3 p.m., they are very often able to accept it.
Dr. Roger P. Levin is CEO of Levin Group, a leading practice management and marketing consulting firm. To contact him or to join the 40,000 dental professionals who receive his Practice Production Tip of the Day, visit LevinGroup.com or email [email protected].
The comments and observations expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of DrBicuspid.com, nor should they be construed as an endorsement or admonishment of any particular idea, vendor, or organization.
