Queues and tokens

What is a queue?

A queue (or token system) is a way to organize and manage patient visits in a clinic or hospital. Instead of a first-come-first-served approach, a queue assigns each patient a unique number (token) that determines their position in line. This helps staff see who is waiting, which department or service they need, and when they should be called.

Why it matters

Queues reduce chaos and confusion. Patients know their place in line without needing to stand around. Staff can plan their time better and prioritize patients by urgency or appointment. In a multi-department clinic, queues keep patients flowing smoothly between different services.

How queues work in Usystems

When a patient arrives (or checks in for an appointment), a staff member creates or activates a queue token for them. The token shows:

• The patient's name and ID
• Which service or department they need (pharmacy, doctor's office, lab, etc.)
• Their position in the queue
• Whether the queue is "global" (patients can move between services) or department-specific

Patients may be called by their token number on a screen, loudspeaker, or by a staff member. Once they complete their service, their token is marked done and the queue moves forward.

Where you see queues

• Queues list: Go to Clinical → Queues to see all active queues in your facility. Open in Usystems
• Queue token: When you add a patient to a queue or scan a token, you see the patient's card and token details.
• Service orders: Queues are often linked to prescriptions, lab orders, or other services that need to be delivered in sequence.

Special features

Global queues: Some facilities set up a global queue where patients move through multiple departments in one token—useful for clinics where a patient sees a doctor, then collects medicine, then goes to a lab.

Scanning tokens: Staff can scan a queue token (using a QR code or barcode) to instantly select a patient instead of typing their name.

---