In wave scheduling, how are patients organized?

In wave scheduling, patients are organized to be seen in the order they arrive within a set time frame. This method allows for multiple patients to come in at the same time, typically grouped in small increments (like every 15 minutes) during a specific period. The goal is to maintain a manageable flow of patients while allowing for some flexibility in case of late arrivals or longer-than-expected treatments.

This approach can help minimize waiting times and optimize the use of the provider's time by ensuring that there is always a patient ready to be seen, while also accommodating for variances in appointment length. This contrasts with other scheduling methods, such as scheduling appointments at exact intervals without regard to patient flow, which could lead to gaps in the schedule if appointments finish early or take longer than anticipated. Therefore, the organization of patients in wave scheduling is fundamentally about managing arrival times within a designated time block, enhancing the efficiency of the medical office.