📝 Overview
Appointment subtypes in ChiroHD are designed to enhance scheduling flexibility and provide visual cues on the calendar when appointments require special attention. They can also be used to add or subtract time from appointments and can be customized with specific colors, labels, and settings.
This guide walks you through how to create, configure, and assign appointment subtypes step-by-step. Before you begin, make sure your appointment types are already created, as subtypes cannot be added without them.
Creating Appointment Subtypes
Appointment subtypes cannot be created until appointment types are ready.
Subtypes are used to:
✅ Provide a visual cue on the calendar screen.
⏱️ Add or subtract time from an appointment.
Navigate to:
System Dashboard → System Settings → Appointment Settings → Appointment Subtypes
Appointment Subtype Configuration & Appearance
Once configured, subtypes will display on the calendar with:
Secondary color: Drop-down arrow color
Primary color: Entire appointment block, if different from the main appointment type
Example: If a Pregnancy subtype is added, the whole appointment can be turned pink
📌 Fields Defined:
Name: Custom name you assign
Abbreviation: Displayed in snapshot views
Length: Time added or subtracted from the base appointment
Must match calendar increments (e.g., 15, 30, 45, 60 mins)
Secondary Appointment?: Indicates if it's a secondary task performed by another provider
Subtype Usage Example
Example: Laser subtype added to Adjustment appointment.
When marked as Secondary Appointment:
Appears on calendar as part of one appointment
Allows another provider to complete the task (e.g., Laser after Adjustment)
Visit updates on the front desk once SOAP note is submitted
SOAP Note Process
Schedule the Adjustment + Laser appointment.
Mark appointment as "Arrived".
Complete SOAP note for Adjustment.
Appointment reflects pending Laser completion.
If the subtype is not a secondary appointment:
Completing SOAP note will turn the appointment green and ready to be completed.
Length and Time Increments
Subtype length must align with your calendar setup.
If you use 15-minute increments, subtype length must be in 15-minute intervals.
Ensures smooth scheduling and accurate time tracking.
Appointment Card Colors
Primary Color: Affects the left block of the appointment.
Secondary Color: Affects the drop-down arrow.
Default is standard, which respects the base appointment type’s colors.
You may customize these colors to clearly differentiate subtype appointments.
Assigning Subtypes to Appointment Types
You must choose which appointment types each subtype is allowed to apply to:
Subtype | Applicable Appointment Types |
Laser | Adjustment only |
Pregnancy | Adjustment, New Patient, Re-exam, Report of Findings, Massage |
Deep Tissue | Massage only |
Extra 15 Mins | Adjustment, Re-exam, etc. (not Massage) |
❗ Avoid mismatches like:
Adding Cupping to Adjustment
Adding Laser to Massage
Final Steps
After configuration, click Save to retain all settings.
Once saved, you're ready to begin scheduling patients using your newly created subtypes.
Pause and create your appointment subtypes now.
✅ Key Takeaways
Appointment subtypes must be built after appointment types.
They help flag appointments needing special attention and allow custom time extensions.
Use abbreviations to enhance clarity in snapshot views.
Secondary appointments allow multi-provider workflows without extra calendar events.
Primary and secondary colors can be customized for better visual management.
Subtypes must be mapped to the correct appointment types for effective use.
Always align time increments with your calendar configuration.
📌 Conclusion
Appointment subtypes offer a powerful way to enhance both the functionality and appearance of your scheduling system in ChiroHD. With clear labels, accurate timing, and flexible visual customization, subtypes make it easy to accommodate complex visits while maintaining an efficient front desk workflow.