Endocrinology Practice Appointment Scheduling Guidelines

Appointment Types and Duration

New Patient Visits

• Initial consultation: 60 minutes
• Complex cases (multiple endocrine disorders): 90 minutes
• Thyroid cancer evaluation: 60 minutes

Follow-up Visits

• Routine follow-up: 30 minutes
• Diabetes management: 30-45 minutes
• Thyroid disorder follow-up: 20-30 minutes
• Post-procedure check: 15-20 minutes

Priority Scheduling Guidelines

Urgent Cases (Schedule within 24-48 hours)

• Severe thyrotoxicosis
• Newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes
• Adrenal crisis
• Severe hypercalcemia

Semi-urgent (Schedule within 1-2 weeks)

• New onset type 2 diabetes with significant symptoms
• Suspicious thyroid nodules
• Significant thyroid function abnormalities

Scheduling Protocols

Required Patient Information

• Current medications list
• Recent lab results
• Referring physician information
• Insurance verification
• Primary concern/symptoms

Pre-appointment Instructions

• Fasting requirements if applicable
• Medication timing adjustments
• Required documentation
• Insurance card and ID

Special Considerations

Testing Coordination

• Schedule lab work 1 week before follow-up visits
• Coordinate imaging appointments
• Plan for continuous glucose monitor placement

Block Scheduling

• Reserve morning slots for fasting blood work
• Group similar patient types
• Emergency slots daily: 1-2 appointments

Reminder System

• 1 week email/text reminder
• 48-hour confirmation call
• Same-day text reminder

Cancellation Policy

• 24-hour notice required
• Late cancellation fee structure
• Rescheduling priority guidelines