Department of Family Medicine: Policy on Clinical Providers Canceling Clinic

Unit Policy

Title

Department of Family Medicine: Policy on Clinical Providers Canceling Clinic

Introduction

Purpose

To preserve appropriate access to care for patients by defining the circumstances under which clinical faculty may cancel scheduled patient care clinic sessions.

Scope

All clinical faculty with appointment templates in clinics operated by the Department of Family Medicine.

Policy

Policy Statement

If the request to cancel is made less than 30 days before the scheduled clinic, approval will only be granted in case of emergency such as acute illness or other personal urgent need.

If the request to cancel is made 30 or more days before the scheduled clinic, and the clinic is already on both the Lightning Bolt and Outlook calendar (typically 90-120 days out), the clinic will be cancelled if the budgeted number of appointment slots for the month and patient demand needs are still met. If not, the individual must find a replacement provider. This can be done in Lightning Bolt using the “Swapportunity” feature.

Definitions 

  • Lightning Bolt - The online scheduling application utilized by the Department of Family Medicine clinical faculty and Scheduling Coordinator.
  • Budgeted Appointment Slots - Set at 125% of budgeted visits, assuming a 75% appointment use rate.

Related Requirements

Unit Policies, Standards, and Procedures 

  • Department of Family Medicine Policy on Vacation, Bonus, and Sick Leave for Faculty

Contact Information

Primary Contact

Name: Karen Halpert, MD – Vice Chair for Clinical Excellence

Telephone: 984-974-4675

Email: Karen_Halpert@med.unc.edu

Other Contacts

Name: Karen Peoples – Scheduling Coordinator

Telephone: 984-974-4521

Email: Karen_Salerno@med.unc.edu