General Surgery Practice Appointment Scheduling Guidelines

Appointment Types and Duration

New Patient Consultations

• Duration: 45-60 minutes
• Pre-requirements: Complete medical history forms
• Insurance verification: Required 48 hours prior

Follow-up Appointments

• Duration: 15-20 minutes
• Scheduling window: 1-2 weeks post-procedure
• Documentation needed: Recent lab results, imaging

Pre-operative Evaluations

• Duration: 30 minutes
• Timing: 1-2 weeks before scheduled surgery
• Requirements: Completed pre-op testing

Post-operative Visits

• Duration: 15-30 minutes
• First visit: 7-14 days post-surgery
• Subsequent visits: As clinically indicated

Scheduling Priorities

Urgent Cases

1. Acute surgical conditions
2. Post-operative complications
3. Concerning symptoms in recent surgical patients

Block Time Management

• Morning block: Complex cases/New patients
• Midday block: Follow-ups/Pre-op evaluations
• Afternoon block: Post-op visits

Administrative Guidelines

Required Patient Information

• Demographics
• Insurance details
• Referral documentation
• Relevant imaging/lab reports

Scheduling Protocol

1. Verify insurance coverage
2. Collect required documentation
3. Provide pre-visit instructions
4. Send appointment confirmation
5. Schedule reminder calls

Special Considerations

• Maintain 2-3 daily slots for urgent cases
• Implement wait-list for cancellations
• Schedule complex cases early in day
• Account for procedure room turnover time