Exam Info

How to Avoid That "On-Time" Problem

When you're first starting in this business, you'll likely have problems with time, especially if most of your exams are mobile.

Because you'll not be quite sure of how long a particular procedure will take, or you won't be sure how long it will take to get from one place to the next, etc.

As you become used to it, you'll usually be able to give a pretty good estimate: how long the appointment will take, how soon you can get there, and whether you'll hit traffic on a particular road.

But here's a way to help with the time problem, whether you're new or not so new.

Listen carefully. When making an appointment, suggest, "I can be there at, like, 10, 10:15, around that time, would that be OK?" Which means, of course, that you're planning to be there at 10, but they won't be freaking if you get there at 10:15. It gives you some slack, which you will need sometimes.

For 99% of your appointments, this is fine. For folks who have to do it at a certain time, they will tell you, and I make being on time (or even a few minutes early) for them a priority. But most people have at least some flexibility in their schedule.

Letting people know if you're going to be late is important. Even if (to use the above example) if I'm going to be there at 10:20, I'll usually call, because they appreciate knowing you haven't forgotten them.

But putting a bit of flexibility into your schedule is a good thing. This is not an exact science. And as long as your appointment is cool with it, this helps to avoid drivng yourself crazy.

posted by Jim Huffman @ 7:46 AM