When managing specialist availability, you may run into situations where the system won't let you save an unavailable day or an availability change. This article explains why that happens and how to make the change without disrupting existing bookings.
Three types of settings that interact
Regular availability
Irregular slots (one-off slots for a specific date — these override particular days and times in the regular schedule).
Unavailable days (exceptions when you're not available at all — these override specific days in the regular schedule).
The system checks these settings for conflicts. If it finds one, it won't allow the change.
Why you can't save an unavailable day
Reason 1: the day already has an irregular slot
If an irregular slot already exists for that date, you can't also mark the day as unavailable.
Reason 2: the day has an active booking
If there's an active booking on that date, the system won't let you close the day to protect the client's existing booking.
Recommended approach
First, check whether the day has any active bookings.
Then check whether there are any irregular slots on the same day.
Only after that, add the day to unavailable days.
Practical tip: When planning a vacation or an extended absence, handle changes ahead of time: reschedule or cancel bookings first, then update your availability.
Common scenarios
I want to set a specific day as unavailable (vacation/illness)
If that day already has bookings, resolve them first (reschedule or cancel), then set the unavailability.
I have an irregular slot and also want to set the day as unavailable
These two can't coexist on the same date. Decide whether you want to keep the irregular slot or set full unavailability.
I need to quickly adjust my schedule for next week
Use irregular slots if it's about individual days. Only change your regular availability if the change is long-term.
FAQ
The system says the day has an active booking. Where do I find it?
Open the booking overview for the given specialist and date, or check the appointments calendar. After resolving the booking, try saving the unavailability again.
I'm setting unavailability and the system reports a conflict with an irregular slot. What do I do?
First remove or modify the irregular slot for that date. Then set the unavailable day again.
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