Practice Characteristics of Pediatric Otolaryngology Same-Day Appointments

Objectives: This study aims to assess characteristics of same-day clinic appointments in a pediatric population at an academic otolaryngology practice. Methods: Retrospective chart review of patients aged 18 or younger who had same-day clinic appointments between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2018, at a single academic institution. Demographic data, diagnosis(es), procedures, and operations completed were included in the analysis. Results: There were 363 same-day visits by 322 patients in the 3-year study period. Two hundred sixty-nine (269) of these visits were from new patients. Otitis media and rhinosinusitis were the most frequently coded diagnoses. One hundred forty-four (144) procedures were completed the day of the visit and 169 operations were performed as a result of the same-day visit. If the patient had a procedure or operation performed, they were more likely to have been referred by another provider. Conclusions: Providing same-day appointments can help provide timely and appropriate otolaryngology specialty care to pediatric patients. Further evaluation is needed to determine the effects on patient satisfaction as well as no-show rates.