Assessing the Practice Characteristics of Otolaryngology Same‐Day Appointments in an Academic Center

Abstract

Objectives to Examine the practice characteristics of same-day clinic appointments and the use of same-day appointment scheduling to provide access to care in an otolaryngology–head and neck surgery clinic. Methods Retrospective chart review of same-day clinic appointments from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2018, in patients aged >19 years at a single academic center. Demographic data, diagnoses, procedures completed, and operations completed were analyzed. Results There were 2696 visits by 2324 patients during the 3-year study period. More men than women (57% vs 43%) made same-day appointments. The mean age was 50.7 years (range, 19-99 years). Sinonasal and otologic diagnoses were the most frequently coded. A total of 1452 procedures were completed on the day of the visit, and 239 operations were completed as a result of the visit. Overall, a broad spectrum of otolaryngology care was delivered within the organizational new patient access goals. Discussion Access to otolaryngology–head and neck surgery care can be challenging. Many patients will seek care when they feel they need it, and patient conditions can change unexpectedly. Offering same-day scheduling can allow patients timely health care and appropriate care. Implications for Practice Same-day appointment scheduling can provide access to care and urgent care for patients. The department of otolaryngology–head and neck surgery has been able to maintain a high rate of providing new patient appointments within 10 days with this method. Further considerations for the impact of same-day scheduling on no-show rates and patient satisfaction can be evaluated.

Characteristics of Walk-In Patients and Related Factors in a Dental University Hospital

“…First, men were more likely to have walk-in visits than women. This result was similar to the findings of Riedl et al (2018) and Geelan-Hansen et al (2021), who observed a higher incidence of walk-in by men than by women [ 5 , 16 ]. This result is consistent with the view that men visit the dental emergency department more often than women owing to their higher risk of trauma while practicing outdoor activities such as sports or driving.…”

“…Second, patients in the 20–29 and 30–39 age groups were more likely to visit the hospital without an appointment, and this result was similar to the high rate of 19–35-year-old walk-in patients observed by Geelan-Hansen et al (2021) [ 16 ]. Moreover, this result is also similar the finding of Riedl et al (2018), who reported a higher probability of walk-in patients at younger ages [ 5 ].…”

Practice Characteristics of Pediatric Otolaryngology Same-Day Appointments

“…6,7 Reserving a few appointment slots, one in the morning and one in the afternoon that the electronic medical record releases the day prior, that are dedicated to same-day scheduling within 24 hours of the patient calling allows for improved rapid access while reducing the potential for overbooking providers. 5 This is the first study which assesses characteristics of otolaryngology same-day appointments for pediatric patients.…”

“…Characteristics of adult same-day visits have been assessed for common diagnoses along with resulting procedures and surgeries; however, this has not been completed for a pediatric population. 5 The goal of this study is to assess characteristics of same-day pediatric visits in an otolaryngology department at an academic institution.…”