Patient scheduling is an integral part of the daily workload for medical assistants, whether in large family
practices, urgent care centers, or sole proprietor clinics. Although patient appointment scheduling may seem
like a routine function, a smooth patient flow often determines the success of a day in the ambulatory care
setting. A variety of administrative skills are used in the performance of this vital function. By effectively
scheduling patients to fit a particular practice, it is possible to make profitable use of provider and staff time.
As a medical assistant you need to know all aspects of how to schedule patients.
1. Based on the information you learned from classroom discussions, assigned readings, and
research, describe the following:
a. Describe time management principles that will assist you to run an efficient and
effective office practice. Include in your discussion, the principles of “handle-it-once”,
“to-do lists”, and “delegation.” VC. 13
b. Compare and contrast the pros and cons of two types of appointment management
systems. In your discussion, identify common office protocols for handling
appointments. VC. 1, VC. 3