Page 67 - Avoiding Surgical Mishaps Part 1

SVMIC Avoiding Surgical Mishaps: Dissecting the Risks

complication may require more physician time. The staff should

monitor the appointment schedule frequently to minimize wait
time and avoid scheduling multiple patients who require extra

time in the office at the same time. The “new patient” brochure/
letter and practice website should provide patients with

guidance on appointment scheduling. In the event that a patient
feels that his/her problem warrants an earlier appointment, the

staff should offer to communicate the patient’s health problem
to someone in the clinical department to triage for the best

appointment option.

All office staff, including physicians, should make every effort
to adhere to a timely schedule. Patients have little tolerance for

wait times in excess of 15–20 minutes. If the physician is running
behind, the patient should be informed and given an opportunity

to reschedule. Patients should be notified as soon as possible if
changes in the schedule must occur. Confirmation calls 1-2 days

prior to the patient’s appointment provide both the reminder
notification of the upcoming appointment and opportunity

for the patient to reschedule if necessary. This reduces the
incidence of patient no-shows.

There are times when an unscheduled patient will present to
the office. Your office should have protocols that include the

approval of the physician or other clinical staff before turning a
patient away.

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