Is Your Practice Already Overwhelmed With End of the Year Scheduling Issues?


Just like it seems retailers begin selling Christmas merchandise earlier each year, healthcare practices get overwhelmed earlier each year with patients "needing" to be seen before the end of the year.

Are you already beyond busy as the end of the year approaches?

It happens every year.

Patients want to be seen since their deductibles have been met already, and because their deductibles are so outrageously high these days. 

I know the patient load can get overwhelming these last few months of the year. 

Yes, it's nice to be busy, but there's only so much time available in a given day.

And surgeons can only do so many surgeries in a given day. 

So, some patients always get left out. 

Some don't get seen.  Others don't get their surgery done this calendar year, and it costs them a lot to pay a new deductible in the new year.

It is the nature of the system.  

Again, it happens every year!

While I was still practicing, I remember even in late August, early September, having my elective surgery schedule completely full for the rest of the year.

Many of my patients were frustrated, not understanding that they should have seen me sooner if they wanted surgery that calendar year.

You do what you can physically and mentally, and that's all anyone can legitimately expect. 

Yes, patients will complain, especially these days with inflation being up and real wages down. 

Many struggle to afford healthcare.

But they aren't seeing your side of the issue. They only see their own side. 

They don't understand that you are working longer hours and missing out on other aspects of your life that you enjoy.  All to try to accommodate your patients' needs.

They often only focus on how much more it will cost them to have to wait till next year to see you.

They don't see you missing your own kids' activities or missing friend's holiday parties, etc.

Most don't even think about your perspective.

So, you must be content to do all you can with the time you have and know that you did your best to accommodate everyone you could.

I know it can be very stressful.  

And it is also stressful to your staff. 

So, treat them well and reward them for their hard work.

They will repay you with continued loyalty and hard work.

Good luck!


​Ben Holt, M.D.