What calendars should I use for surgical procedures vs. consultations?

Consultation calendars represent the evaluation appointment — the first time a patient sits down (in person or virtually) with the doctor to discuss their hair loss, candidacy, and treatment options. These are typically 30–60 minute slots. Use consultation calendars for any lead that has not yet been evaluated by a physician. Booking into a consultation calendar moves the opportunity to Consult Booked and sets the value to $500.

Procedure calendars are for scheduling the actual hair restoration procedure or surgical day. These slots are much longer — often half-day or full-day blocks on the doctor's calendar. Only use a procedure calendar after the consultation has been completed and the patient has committed to moving forward. Booking into a procedure calendar moves the opportunity to Procedure Booked and updates the value to $9,100.

A new lead who has never met with the doctor should never be booked into a procedure calendar — even if they come in saying they already know they want FUE surgery. The consultation is a required step: it confirms candidacy, sets expectations, and documents informed consent. Skipping it by booking straight to a procedure slot creates scheduling confusion and can create clinical and legal issues.

Before you click into the calendar dropdown, ask yourself: has this patient had a consultation with our physician yet? If no, use a consultation calendar. If yes, and the doctor has approved them for the procedure, use a procedure calendar. When in doubt, use the consultation calendar — you can always upgrade to a procedure booking afterward.