Letting patients schedule their own appointments sounds great in theory. Fewer phone calls, faster booking, better access. But many practices still hesitate to implement self-scheduling amidst worries about incorrect visit types, double-booked slots, or too many gaps in the day.
So, does patient self-scheduling actually work? Yes—but only when it’s thoughtfully designed and supported by the right tools.
What Makes It Worth Considering
First, let’s talk about patient expectations. People are used to scheduling everything—from haircuts to car service—online and on their own time. In healthcare, that expectation doesn’t disappear. When patients can’t book easily, they often delay care, abandon the process, or flood the phones.
