"The study revealed that patients prioritize convenience and transparency.  They estimate that today patients spend an average of 8.1 minutes scheduling an appointment and 63% of the times their calls are transferred.  This represents an opportunity for some providers to overcome an industry compromise that has eroded patient satisfaction with access. Practice management professionals acknowledge that relying solely on schedulers to book all appointments is not only inefficient but a detriment to any organization because it inhibits growth and acquisition of new patients."