Final answer:
Wave scheduling is the method where three patients are booked for the same time and seen in the order they arrive, which can be efficient, but may not account for groups or varying customer flow.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of scheduling in which three patients are scheduled to arrive at the same time for each hour of the day and are seen in the order they arrive is known as wave scheduling. This method allows a medical practice to manage multiple patients by having them come at the top of the hour and then providing service based on their arrival sequence. While wave scheduling can lead to an initial rush of patients, it can be efficient if managed well. However, this model can assume an even distribution of arrivals across the day and doesn't account for variables such as patients arriving in groups or fluctuations in customer flow, as detailed by the provided information. It's also critical to note that because customers might shop in groups, or the number of customers can vary during the day, relying on a strict average arrival time, such as one customer every two minutes, may not always reflect the actual situation.