What is a common protocol to manage patients known for frequently arriving late?

Scheduling patients who are known for frequently arriving late for the last appointment of the day is an effective strategy. This approach helps ensure that their tardiness has a minimal impact on the rest of the schedule. When these patients are given the last appointment, it allows the healthcare provider to run on time for other patients during the day. If the patient arrives late, they still have the opportunity to receive care without delaying others.

This method serves multiple purposes: it accommodates the patient’s tendency to arrive late while maintaining overall efficiency in the practice's schedule. Additionally, it can create an environment where other patients are not discouraged by delays caused by late arrivals. Overall, this protocol balances the need to provide care to every patient without compromising the quality of service for those who arrive on time.