Telehealth Tuesday: Schedule Buffer Time Between Appointments

One of the easiest ways to improve your telehealth workflow is by adding buffer time between appointments. Without it, back-to-back sessions can quickly lead to delays, leaving both you and your patients frustrated.

Why Buffer Time Matters

When appointments run longer than expected, even by just a few minutes, the next patient is left waiting. This can cause a ripple effect throughout the day, increasing stress and reducing the quality of care. By scheduling buffer time, you give yourself a cushion to:

  • Wrap up patient discussions
  • Document important notes
  • Prepare for the next session
  • Take a quick mental reset
  • Grab a snack or beverage
  • Get some fresh air

How Much Time Should You Add?

A 5–10 minute buffer between appointments is often enough to prevent delays and ensure smoother transitions. If your appointments tend to require more follow-up, consider extending it to 15 minutes.

Optimize Your Telehealth Appointment Schedule

Use a telehealth solution that prompts you to build buffer time into your schedule, helping you maintain efficiency without sacrificing quality care. Small changes like this can make a big impact on both provider and patient experience.