Retrieve appointment details by ID from Cliniko practice management system to access patient scheduling information.
Get a specific appointment by ID
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| appointment_id | Yes | Appointment ID |
Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.
v1.0.0Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It does not mention whether the operation is read-only, if authentication is required, what happens if the ID does not exist (e.g., returns null or error), or any side effects.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is very concise (one sentence), but it sacrifices valuable information. It is not overly verbose, but it could include more context without becoming lengthy.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the simplicity of the tool and the lack of output schema, the description should clarify what data is returned (e.g., full appointment details) and any error handling. It fails to provide this, making it incomplete for an agent to understand the full behavior.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The input schema covers the single parameter (appointment_id) with 100% coverage, so the baseline is 3. The description only repeats 'by ID', adding no additional meaning or context beyond the schema.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the verb 'Get', the resource 'appointment', and the lookup method 'by ID'. It distinguishes from sibling tools like list_appointments (which returns multiple) and create_appointment (which creates). However, it does not specify the scope of data returned.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description provides no guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives such as list_appointments (to find an ID) or get_appointment_invoices (for invoices). There is no mention of prerequisites or exclusion criteria.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.