In this article, we’ll share some tips to avoid common pitfalls like canceling those first appointments or feeling overwhelmed with bookings that aren’t the right fit. This article also reviews rescheduling vs. canceling appointments, how clients schedule and book appointments with you, setting availability and caseload, and when to contact Rula's support team if you need to initiate a rematch. By partnering closely with us and following the best practices outlined here, you can achieve smooth onboarding and set your practice up for long-term success.
Video Overview
Note: We're now Rula! You may still hear Path in our videos from time to time and we appreciate your patience while we continue to update our content to align with our new name.
This video provides an overview of the Rula matching experience from the client's perspective, new client bookings, and the impact therapist-initiated cancellations have on clients.
Importance of Avoiding Initial Session Cancellations
Why Avoiding Cancellations is Crucial
- Canceling a client's first visit can be disruptive and distressing for clients in need of immediate care. Restarting the matching process delays their access to the necessary support, potentially by days or even weeks.
Rescheduling vs. Canceling
- If you need to change a client’s first appointment, we suggest finding a new time that works rather than canceling altogether. Rescheduling instead of canceling reduces disruption for the client and allows you to maintain an ongoing relationship.
Timeliness in Rescheduling
- Whenever you need to shuffle things around or find a new slot, jumping into action sooner rather than later is key. The quicker we address it after getting a booking, the better we can keep things on track for our clients. Your swift response plays a crucial role in making sure they get the care they need without any bumps in the road.
Understanding Client Bookings
Scheduled Appointments
- Scheduled appointments are Rula clients that have gone through the matching process and have been booked on your calendar. Rula alerts you about scheduled appointments, emphasizing the commitment involved.
Partnering with Rula for a Positive Experience
- We encourage you to collaborate with Rula to create a positive client experience. This involves keeping scheduled client appointments, maintaining clear communication regarding schedule changes, and ensuring accurate availability information.
Setting Availability and Caseload
- Carefully consider your availability and caseload capacity, aligning them with your start date. You can update your availability and desired caseload in the Rula provider portal. Utilizing the tools provided by Rula to manage caseload preferences is essential for a smooth client matching experience. Caseload preferences can be managed in the provider portal under the Practice tab.
Initiating a Rematch
Identifying Incompatibility
- If you feel a client isn’t a good match based on your expertise, let us know right away. Acting quickly allows us to find them a provider who is a better fit. You can initiate a rematch through the new Provider Care Coordination Form. This form can be found on the Resources tab of the provider portal, under Weblinks.
Contacting Rula Support
- You can also contact Rula support via chat or by calling (323) 676 -7425 to initiate a rematch. This step ensures that both you and the client find a better match for their needs.
Practice Management Settings
- Reviewing practice management settings is essential to prevent similar future bookings. You can make necessary adjustments to their settings for a more streamlined matching experience. For an overview of how practice management settings work together, see Managing your practice settings in the provider portal.
By adhering to these guidelines, providers can enhance the Rula matching experience for both themselves and their clients. If you have any further questions or require additional assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out to Rula support. We're here to help you provide the best possible care to your clients!
Additional Resources
- Appointment no-shows and late cancellations policy - Rula's policy regarding no-show and cancellation
- Rescheduling and editing appointments in the provider portal - Detailed instruction for editing and rescheduling appointments in the Rula provider portal
- Managing your schedule in the provider portal - An overview of the Schedule tab in the Rula provider portal