APPOINTMENT SCHEDULING: EMERGENCIES
(sappteme.doc)
Desired Outcome: Emergency patients successfully worked into the
schedule with minimal disruption of other appointments scheduled that day.
Also, accurate and empathetic assessment of the patient�s needs.
Measurement:
Satisfaction of the emergency patient with minimal delay for other patients.
1.
Determine the
necessity and reason for the appointment and pull the chart, if an established
patient.
2.
Complete the emergency
slip, asking the questions listed on the form and attach it to the patient�s
chart. Refer to the Forms Section for an Emergency Telephone Slip.
4.
The patient must be
seen the same day, if any of the following symptoms apply:
A.
Confirmed trauma.
(Refer to the Clinical Evaluation for Trauma form in the Forms Section.)
B.
Pain keeps the patient
awake at night.
C.
Current fever or
swelling.
D.
Sudden onset of severe
pain.
5.
The patient can be
seen within the next couple of days, if any of the following circumstances and
symptoms apply:
A.
The patient is
satisfied with the appointment date and time scheduled.
B.
The patient has a
history of chronic toothaches that do not keep them awake at night or require
medication.
C.
Broken or sensitive
tooth causing mild discomfort and the patient is satisfied with the
appointment date and time scheduled.
6.
Once an acceptable and
appropriate appointment date and time has been selected, enter the following
information in the appointment book:
A.
Patient�s last and
first name (i.e., Smith, Mary).
B.
Work and home phone
numbers.
7.
Before ending the
call, confirm the following information with the patient:
A.
Appointment time.
B.
Office address (if new
patient).
C.
Easy-to-follow
directions to the office (if new patient).
8. Verbally inform the clinical staff of the change in schedule and write the patient�s name on the back office schedule.
Samples from Standard Operating
Procedures for All Dentists
(Contains over 470 pages + software)