So What IS Forward Scheduling, Anyway?

Forward Scheduling is a term that's often thrown around in the veterinary industry as an important metric to track, but it oftentimes is made to seem more complicated than it really is.

While it's not a simple metric to track without using a tool like Chckup (😉), the concept is simple: forward scheduling (A.K.A. forward booking or pre-scheduling) is just setting up a patient's next appointment before the client leaves the clinic, rather than waiting for the owner to call and book their next one.

The important metric to track is your "Forward Scheduling Rate," which is the percentage of appointments during a given day that are forward scheduled. (The calculation is simply # of forward scheduled appointments divided by # of total appointments).

Why Should I Care?

You might wonder why forward scheduling matters so much. Well, it’s all about keeping things running smoothly and making life easier for both the clinic and the clients. By scheduling appointments in advance, you help ensure pets stay healthy, clients stay happy, and the clinic stays busy and productive. It’s a simple step that brings big benefits for everyone involved. Below are a few reasons why it helps.

Keeping Clients Happy and Coming Back

One of the best things about forward scheduling is that it makes clients happy and keeps them coming back. When you set up the next appointment before they leave, pets get the care they need on time. This means fewer missed appointments and healthier pets. Clients love knowing when they need care, rather than making guesses or seeing (what they thing are random) reminders.

Smoother Clinic Operations

Forward scheduling makes the clinic run more smoothly. By planning appointments ahead, the clinic can manage its workflow and resources better. This helps staff be more effective and reduces the chances of overbooked or empty time slots. Combined with online booking through Chckup, the clinic can avoid the stress of last-minute bookings and cancellations, making it a more organized and productive place to work.

Steady Income and Financial Health

Forward scheduling also helps keep the clinic’s finances stable and growing. Regularly scheduled appointments mean a steady flow of income, which is vital for the clinic’s financial health. When clients commit to future visits, it helps avoid revenue gaps caused by missed appointments. Plus, it opens up chances for additional services and treatments since vets can plan follow-ups and preventative care better.

Stronger Client Engagement and Loyalty

From a marketing point of view, forward scheduling keeps clients engaged and loyal. When clients have their next appointment already booked, they’re more likely to stick with the clinic rather than go elsewhere. This is especially important in competitive areas. Adding reminder systems like Chckup helps keep clients informed about their upcoming appointments and strengthens their connection to the clinic.

Healthier Pets

Forward scheduling leads to healthier pets. Regular, consistent appointments allow vets to monitor pets closely and catch health issues early. This proactive approach means earlier diagnosis and treatment, which improves the overall well-being of the animals. Promoting regular vet visits helps educate clients on the importance of preventative care, resulting in healthier pets and more knowledgeable pet owners. In the end, forward scheduling is a win-win for both the clinic and its furry patients.