SCHEDULING RESTRICTIONS
KPI
Athena
Preventing Errors
Recent Updates
100

A patient can be scheduled for a Pa smear and Medical service on the same day. True or False

False 

100

How to manage Talk time 

 Use your time effectively working on both Script and EMR to ensure good call control and efficient call handling. Balance your talk time with your hold time

100

Appointment Tickler

These are reminders added to Athena by the clinic to schedule the next appt that the patient is due for. We should always look at these tickles since they will help us with schedule the correct appt the patient needs next.

100

How to prevent a No show Error

Verify If the patient has 3 no-shows in the last 1-year. Always count bottom to top verify the types of appts that were no show. Count how many consecutive appointments the patient had since 3 now shows to determine if they need to be scheduled in a Same Day in person

100

sexual orientation, pronouns, and gender identity are not required fields. True or false 

True 

200

Dr. Horton will begin seeing patients at the Broad Street Health Center on what days

Thursday

200

How to Manage Hold time

Keep your hold time under 1 min get back with the patient and let them know you are still actively working on request and if you can place them back on a brief hold. Collect all needed info prior to fist hold. Collect all information needed prior to first hold 

200

 How to Confirm Appointments

To confirm an appt make sure you are talking to the patient, or someone authorized. Go all the way down in Quick view to Appointments and verify the correct upcoming appt. Once you have verified the correct appt click Confirm.

200

How to avoid appointment type error 

Do not procedure to schedule if provider is missing appointment type drop down. 

If new patient locate a provider with an open panel who has the correct appt type drop down.

If patient is existing with the usual provider be sure to reach out.  

200

Dr. Blake can see all patients 13 and up with any insurance except

Independence Blue Cross.

300

We can schedule Medicare Patients for Telehealth Appointments True or False

False we can not until further notice

300

How to manage Disconnect time

If we guide the call by going through the script it should be finished by time pt disconnects. Limit after call work the message or Appt should already be complete once caller disconnects

300

Third Party Callers/Family Members

must be on the consent form to get any patients information on file. If they are not on the consent form, do not offer any information. You can have them call in through the main line and select the correct option from the phone tree.

· Even if a Third Caller can verify three forms of verification, do not provide any patient information unless they are on the consent form

300
Appointment note 

Appointment note must reflect the appointment type giving a general reason for the appointment without including PHI or sensitive information.

300

difference between Annual Wellness Visits (AWV) and Physical

AWV is for patients with Medicare insurance, Physicals are for Medicaid and Commercial insurance

400

Nexplanon and IUD insertions or removal

MUST be scheduled for a telehealth consult with a Women's Health Provider. Amy Holland or Heba Elghaban.

400
AHT

AHT - Guide the call by going through the script as we take the call to remain in control. Amount of time spent on a call

400

Locating the consent forms via Athena

To find this Release of Information Form go to the patient’s Quick view and click Clinicals→ Chart 

Next, click on the magnifying glass→ type→ admin→ consent. There are multiple consent forms, but the one we are looking for is “HIPAA Privacy Authorization”. If the patient didn’t authorize anyone in the form you should not reschedule, cancel, confirm, or provide any information.


400

Scheduling Protocols:

To schedule the appts correctly we need to follow certain _________ and Rules provided by the clinic. 

These protocols are in the _________

To schedule the appts correctly we need to follow certain _Protocols_ and Rules provided by the clinic.

These protocols are in the _Bulletin.

400

Surgery Clearance (Pre -op) Follow-up

  • Patients do not need to be scheduled with an MD or DO for pre-op clearance, even if the form suggests it.
  • The NP Providers will fill out the forms under the direction of the MD or DO and they will sign all forms, so patients can be scheduled with their usual Provider.
500

5 types of Appointments we do not offer 

No commercial vehicle exams (Ex: trucks, larger vehicles other than cars) 

No appointments for urine testing for work or school 

Appointments for firearms clearances-we do not schedule 

No medical marijuana 

Motor vehicle accidents of the person have an attorney or claim#/ we only schedule patients without any motor vehicle insurance and do not have a lawyer involved

500

KPI Stands for 

Key Performance Indicator

500

Gender-Affirming Care

If you receive a call from someone requesting gender affirming care, please use the following response:

“I’m happy to schedule you for a primary medical or dental appointment at one of our four health centers. While gender-affirming care is not a service we provide, we encourage you to discuss any clinical questions or concerns directly with your provider during your visit. Would you like me to schedule a primary care appointment?”

Please deliver this message with warmth and clarity to ensure every caller feels supported. If you have questions or encounter uncertainty, reach out to your supervisor or me directly.

500

6 types of errors to look out for 

Physicals too soon

30-min appointments in 15-minute slots

Patient alert box

Appointment type

Scheduling with someone other than usual provider

Duplicate chart

500

Restricted appointment types and what that means


  • Hospital Follow-Up
  • Annual Wellness Visit
  • Newborn Visit

These slots are intentionally placed on the provider’s schedule for specific purposes. The above appointment types can only be repurposed within 24 hours of the appointment date and time. If you receive a call from a patient before the 24-hour window, do not offer these restricted slots as an option or mention them to the patient. Instead, look for the next available appointment that is not restricted.

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