This simulation study introduces new appointment systems and evaluates their performance in terms of minimizing the weighted sum of patients' waiting time, doctor's idle time and doctor's overtime. Compared to previous research, outpatient scheduling problem is considered within a broader framework that includes a series of decisions regarding (i) the appointment rules, (i) the use of patient classification, and (iii) the adjustment procedures for walk-ins and no-shows. More realistic clinic environments are modeled, including factors such as the unpunctuality of patients and the presence of walk-ins, which were mostly neglected in the literature.
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