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Last updated on Mar 15, 2025
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  3. Working with Physicians

You're coordinating with specialist physicians who have packed schedules. How do you set realistic timelines?

How do you balance tight schedules with realistic deadlines? Share your strategies for coordinating with busy specialists.

Working with Physicians Working with Physicians

Working with Physicians

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Last updated on Mar 15, 2025
  1. All
  2. Healthcare
  3. Working with Physicians

You're coordinating with specialist physicians who have packed schedules. How do you set realistic timelines?

How do you balance tight schedules with realistic deadlines? Share your strategies for coordinating with busy specialists.

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10 answers
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    Arthur Drummond

    Médico | Conselheiro Consultivo | Ultrassonografista | Validação Clínica | Protocolos Médicos | Produtos Médicos | Dispositivos Médicos | Inovações Tecnológicas | Novos Medicamentos | Apoio Científico

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    Para cronogramas realistas com especialistas ocupados, priorizo a comunicação clara desde o início, alinhando expectativas e prazos. Uso ferramentas de agendamento colaborativo e buffers estratégicos para imprevistos. A chave é flexibilidade e respeito ao tempo do especialista, garantindo eficiência sem comprometer a qualidade.

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    Dr Vibha Jain

    Digital Healthcare Transformation | Clinical Analytics Expert | Advocate for Preventive Medicine | Strategic Advisor

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    Prioritize Urgency → Identify critical cases that require immediate attention vs. those that can wait. Streamline Communication → Use centralized scheduling tools to reduce back-and-forth. Leverage Asynchronous Updates → Utilize secure digital platforms for case discussions without real-time meetings. Set Buffer Time → Factor in unexpected delays to keep timelines practical. Align Expectations Early → Discuss availability upfront and set realistic deadlines based on physician workload.

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    Dashiel Wham

    Nurse Practitioner - Optimizing Wellness

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    To set realistic timelines with specialist physicians, start by assessing their availability early and prioritizing urgent tasks. Build in time buffers to account for delays and keep communication clear and concise. Use asynchronous methods like emails or shared documents to minimize disruptions. Confirm schedules in advance, send reminders, and follow up regularly to ensure progress. Flexibility is key—adjust timelines as needed while respecting their packed schedules. By streamlining coordination and maintaining proactive communication, you can ensure efficiency without overwhelming them.

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    Elvis Madavane Ondego

    Senior Health Information Specialist | Research & Data Analytics | 16+ Years in Healthcare Innovation | Cancer Registry & Medical Coding | Digital Health & Client Experience Leader

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    As Elvis Ondego, I set realistic timelines when coordinating with specialist physicians by prioritizing efficient communication, strategic scheduling, and flexibility. I first assess their availability through scheduling tools and direct consultations to identify feasible time slots. I ensure that deadlines are practical and considerate of their workload while maintaining a structured workflow. To avoid disruptions, I incorporate buffer time for unforeseen delays and keep follow-ups proactive yet concise. By leveraging technology, effective coordination, and clear expectations, I facilitate smooth collaboration while respecting their packed schedules.

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    Okechukwu Ekemezie

    Cruise Ship Medical Director

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    In my experience, I have discovered numerous times that it's important to communicate effectively with specialist physicians who have packed schedules. Also there's need to prioritize patients with urgent care to help them do the job better. The use of technological tools like EMR to streamline the process to make it faster and efficient.

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    Ian Gibbs, M.S.

    Transforming Health Through Nutrition, Fitness & Preventative Wellness | Alternative Medicine & Holistic Health Educator | Veteran

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    When working with physicians, I try to be strategic and respectful of their time. I look at their schedules to find natural gaps. Instead of asking, “When are you free?” I work backward from the goal to figure out the simplest, most efficient way to get things done. I like using scheduling tools to flag conflicts and suggest alternatives, which helps cuts down on delays. When possible, I'll loop in PAs or NPs early to keep things moving. It’s all about being flexible, proactive, and keeping communication quick and easy. Overall, I try to blend flexibility with planning, and always keep communication easy, quick, and aligned with how they like to work.

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    Alexandre Messager

    I bring clarity to complex team dynamics | Healthcare Leadership Consultant | Speaker | Facilitator | Author

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    Coordinating with specialist physicians is like scheduling air traffic, precision, flexibility, and clear communication are key. Start by fostering psychological safety, acknowledge their workload and constraints while ensuring they feel heard and valued in the planning process. Use cognitive diversity by offering multiple scheduling options, prioritizing urgent tasks while allowing flexibility for their availability. Stay motivated by setting clear, realistic deadlines with built-in buffers, ensuring progress without overwhelming their schedules. With mutual respect, adaptability, and strategic planning, you can create timelines that work for everyone, without unnecessary stress.

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Working with Physicians

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