title: Applying lean techniques to improve the patient scheduling process.
abstract: A patient's access to healthcare resources often begins with scheduling an appointment with a medical doctor or other provider. An inefficient scheduling system leads to unnecessary delays in providing care for patients and frustration for referring physicians. We used the tools of lean thinking to evaluate our current scheduling system, remove wasteful processes and procedures, and implement a more efficient and effective system. In doing so, we increased the value for our patients, who benefit from more timely access to care and greater satisfaction.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA.
authors.forename: Edward M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Wojtys
authors.forename: Laurie
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Schley
authors.forename: Kristi A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Overgaard
authors.forename: Julie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Agbabian
mesh_terms: D001071:Appointments and Schedules; D004496:Education, Continuing; D017598:Efficiency, Organizational; D006801:Humans; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care