Lynqpod › Online booking

Online booking that knows what is actually free

Most dental booking forms are a message in disguise: the patient picks a time they hope is free, and somebody rings them back. Lynqpod offers the times your diary really has, with the rules the practice sets.

How a patient books

1. They pick a clinician, or let the practice choose. Every clinician can have their own page, and the practice has one that searches across everybody.
2. They see real free time, worked out from the diary, opening hours, appointment length, the gap the practice wants either side, and leave booked in the rota.
3. They prove the email address is theirs with a six-digit code, which stops the bulk of nuisance bookings without a login.
4. They pay a deposit, if the practice asks for one for that treatment.
5. It is booked or requested. With write access it goes straight into the diary. Without, reception sees a request with everything needed to approve it.

The rules a practice can set

• How much notice is needed, and how far ahead patients can book.
• Appointment types, lengths and which clinicians offer them.
• A buffer either side, so a clinician is not booked back to back all day.
• Which clinicians appear publicly at all.
• Whether new patients can book, or only existing ones.

Free time, for the practice's own use

The same engine powers a staff view of where the diary is empty: the longest gaps first, by clinician and by day, so somebody can see at a glance that Thursday afternoon needs filling. That view is also what the waiting list uses when a cancellation comes in.

When the diary cannot be read

If the practice management system cannot be reached, the page says so rather than guessing. A booking page that offers a time it cannot honour costs more than one that admits it is having a bad minute.

Common questions

Can patients book without creating an account?

Yes. They confirm an email address with a one-time code. There is no password to forget.

Do we have to let bookings straight into the diary?

No, and most practices start with requests. Reception approves them, and the request carries everything needed to make that a five-second job.

Can we take deposits?

Yes, per treatment type, through Stripe. The slot is held while payment completes and released if it does not.

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