Geriatric Practice Appointment Scheduling Guidelines

Schedule Structure

Appointment Types and Duration

• New Patient Visits: 60 minutes
• Follow-up Visits: 30-40 minutes
• Medication Reviews: 20-30 minutes
• Urgent Care Slots: 30 minutes
• Family Conferences: 45-60 minutes

Daily Schedule Framework

• Reserve 2-3 urgent care slots daily
• Schedule complex patients earlier in the day
• Include 15-minute buffer periods every 3 hours
• Limit new patients to 2-3 per day

Special Considerations

Mobility and Transportation

• Avoid early morning appointments for patients using medical transport
• Schedule wheelchair-dependent patients in accessible exam rooms
• Group patients from same assisted living facilities when possible

Cognitive Status

• Schedule patients with dementia during quieter office times
• Allow extra time for patients with cognitive impairment
• Note if caregiver presence is required

Administrative Protocols

Pre-appointment Requirements

1. Verify insurance/Medicare status
2. Request previous medical records
3. Send pre-visit questionnaires
4. Confirm transportation arrangements

Reminder System

• Send reminders 1 week and 2 days before appointment
• Include instructions for required documentation
• Confirm caregiver attendance if needed
• Verify medication list updates

Emergency Management

• Keep 2 daily slots open for urgent issues
• Maintain protocol for same-day triage
• Document fall risk and mobility status

Documentation Requirements

• Medical history forms
• Medication lists
• Advanced directives
• Emergency contact information
• Caregiver authorization forms