Beth Israel Lahey Beverly MRI: Creating a Body Index Chart For Schedulers

Abstract

This project involved the scheduling of patients at Beth Israel Lahey Beverly’s MRI Department. Working with the scheduling team to book appointments and check in patients, it became clear that there were recurring schedule gaps caused by patients being assigned to machines that didn’t suit their body size—not just weight, but also height and limb length. This often led to last-minute cancellations. To address this, a Body Index Chart was created to help schedulers match patients to the correct MRI machine based on body proportions. After the chart was created and approved it was presented to schedulers with instructions on how and when to use it while booking future MRI appointments. Schedulers began to use the chart the next day. The results indicated a positive impact. Staff have reported fewer cancellations, indicating a positive impact on the efficiency of the new chart system on scheduling and compliance with appointments.