What is the best method to ensure a patient follows up with their appointment as instructed?

Scheduling the appointment for the patient is the most effective method to ensure follow-up because it removes barriers that may prevent the patient from completing the task themselves. When a healthcare provider or their staff takes the initiative to set the appointment, it alleviates the need for the patient to remember to do so or to navigate any scheduling complexities on their own.

By directly scheduling the appointment, the healthcare team is taking a proactive approach that confirms the appointment time and date, making it more likely that the patient will keep the appointment. This method also allows for easier communication regarding the purpose of the visit and any necessary preparations that the patient needs to accomplish beforehand.

For instance, instructing the patient to schedule their own appointment places the responsibility on them, which could lead to forgetfulness or miscommunication about the availability of times. Similarly, asking a patient about their preferred time can also leave too much open to interpretation and does not guarantee that they'll follow through to schedule it. Having the office manager handle it offers assistance, but it lacks the direct accountability and assurance that comes with the provider scheduling it themselves.

Overall, directly scheduling the appointment creates a clear and committed pathway for the patient's follow-up, enhancing their engagement and adherence to care plans.