In which scheduling approach are two or three patients scheduled within the same time frame, generally seen in the last half-hour?

The scheduling approach where two or three patients are scheduled within the same time frame, particularly during the last half-hour of a given scheduling period, is wave scheduling. This method involves organizing appointments in such a way that a group of patients is seen at the same time, leading to more efficient use of resources and staff.

In wave scheduling, multiple patients are booked in overlapping time slots, typically at the end of an appointment period, which allows for the flexibility to accommodate different lengths of patient visits. This approach can help to balance out the variability in patient treatment times and can ensure that there are always patients in the office during peak hours. This tactic not only optimizes scheduling but also enhances the flow of patient care within a practice.

Other scheduling methods do not combine patients in this manner. Open-booking allows patients to choose their own times without set appointments. Modified wave scheduling is an adaptation where patients are grouped but with more varied time slots to avoid overlap constraints. Time-specified scheduling allocates set times for individual patients without overlapping appointments. Therefore, wave scheduling is unique in its structure of fitting multiple patients into the same time frame, concentrating on the latter part of the scheduling window.