Quick Start Guide

This guide walks you through the essential steps to get InSched up and running in your practice.

Initial Setup Checklist

1. Define Your Resources

Resources represent providers, rooms, and equipment that need to be scheduled independently.

Setup > Resources

• Enter a single character code and description for each resource
• Common examples: "N" for Dr. Nachbar, "P" for Procedure Room, "A" for Aesthetician
• Only define resources that need independent scheduling - if equipment is always used with a specific room, you don't need a separate resource for it

See Setting Up InSched for detailed resource setup instructions.

2. Define Your Locations (Optional)

Locations group events together, useful when you have multiple office sites.

Setup > Locations

• Enter a one-character code and description
• Events with no Location match every Location column

3. Set Up Event Types

Event Types define the behavior, color, and defaults for each kind of appointment.

Setup > Event Types

Plan your Event Types before entering them. For each Event Type, define:

• Name and Abbreviated Name
• Background Color (use color families for related types)
• Default Duration
• Default Resources and Location
• Class (Regular Event, Note, Call Coverage, Time Off, or Block)
• Trigger Type (for CRM stage integration)

Color tips:

• Use lighter/less saturated colors for blocks, darker for the events that fill them
• Related event types should use the same color family (e.g., all cosmetic in purple)

4. Create Your Blocks

Blocks define your available schedule template.

Blocks > New Block (or Ctrl+Ins)

• Select the Block Event Type
• Set the time and duration
• Assign Resources and Location
• Use Repeating to set the weekly schedule (most blocks repeat weekly)

Start with your basic weekly schedule, then add monthly or special blocks as needed.

5. Configure Preferences

Setup > Preferences

Key settings to configure:

• Ask For Initials - Whether to require initials for audit tracking
• Prompt On Conflict - Warn when double-booking
• Prompt On Event Extending Beyond Block - Warn when events go past block boundaries
• View Toolbar/Calendar - Show or hide interface elements

6. Start Scheduling

Your practice is now ready for scheduling. The basic workflow is:

1. Navigate to the desired date using the Calendar or keyboard shortcuts
2. Right-click on an available time slot (within a Block) and select New Event
3. Select the Event Type
4. Search for or enter the patient name
5. Verify the date, time, and duration
6. Click OK

Essential Keyboard Shortcuts to Learn First

Key	What It Does
F7	Go to today
0	Default view
- (minus)	Reset view to show everything
. or >	Page forward
, or <	Page back
Ins	New event
Enter	Edit selected event
F5	Check in event

Next Steps

• Navigating the Schedule - Learn all the navigation shortcuts
• Creating and Editing Events - Detailed event management
• Event Status Workflow - Check-in, check-out, and more
• Patient Management - Managing patient records
• Audit & History - Understanding the audit trail