How to Block a Provider or Staff Schedule for Events

While holidays, work hours, and lunches can be adjusted through the Manage Office tab, you can follow the steps below to block off time for events from meetings through vacations on a provider or staff member's schedule.

Before We Begin 

Blocking time on a schedule prevents appointments from being booked during the selected date and time range. You can use this to reflect vacation, meetings, or any unavailable periods. Make sure you select the correct provider and office before saving the block. 

Steps to Block a Provider or Staff Schedule 

1. Go to the Appointments Tab  

• From the Practice Mate main menu, click on the Appointments tab. 

2. Open Special Dates & Events  

• Click on Options and then select Special Dates & Events from the drop-down menu.  

3. Add a Provider/Staff Event  

• Click on Add Provider/Staff Event to begin setting up the schedule block.

4. Select Office and Provider

• Use the drop-down menus to choose the appropriate Office and Provider or Staff whose schedule needs to be blocked. 

5. Set Date and Time Range 

• Choose the From Date and To Date, along with the Start and End Times for the block.

6. Add a Description (Optional)

• You may enter a description for the block, such as “Vacation” or “Staff Meeting,” to help identify the reason for the time off. 

7. Click Update

• Once all details are entered, click Update to save the schedule block. The blocked time will now appear on the provider or staff schedule and prevent new appointments from being booked during that time. 

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