1. Third Next Available Appointment

2. DEFINITION
Average length of time in days between the day a patient makes a request for an appointment with a physical and the third available appointment for a new patient physical, routine exam, or return visit exam.

3. WHY ?
Why do we count third next available appointment (3NA) instead of just next available appointment?
Removes randomness
Quirk of the schedule may leave an open slot, but by the time you reach the 3NA you are into open space on schedule
3NA has become a standard
measure and you can use it to
compare to other practicies

4. GOAL
Decrease number of days to 3NA to zero days (same day) for Primary Care
Decrease number of days to 3NA to two days for Specialty Care

5. DATA SAMPLE COUNT REPORT
Sample all physicians on team the same day of the week, once a week
SAMPLE
Count the number of days between a request for an appointment with a physician and the 3NA for a new patient physical, routine exam or visit exam
COUNT
Report the average number of days for all physicians sampled
REPORT

6. DATA (video)

7. MORE INFO
Institute for Healthcare Improvement -