JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
Have you ever tried to make a medical appointment just to find out there were none available when you needed them? During the first part of this year, the 628th Medical Group had more than 2,000 patients that did not show up for their medical appointment. Knowing this information, we would like to ask for your help. You can directly impact our ability to reduce appointment no-shows by notifying us as soon as you are aware you will not be able to attend or at least 24 hours prior to your appointment. By doing so, you are allowing us to offer these appointments to your fellow Airmen, family members or co-workers. While every no-show has a cost associated with it, the primary concern is that missing an appointment may negatively impact your health.
To decrease the amount of no-shows, an automated appointment reminder system calls patients two days prior to an appointment. The system sends a message identifying the appointment date, time and the family member by birth month and year. Please note the appointment reminder system uses phone numbers listed in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System, so it is critical to update your local phone number in DEERS. DEERS updates must be accomplished by the sponsor and can be done in person at the Force Support Squadron or online at
https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/appj/address/indexaction.do (CAC reader required).
If you are unable to meet your scheduled appointment, the best thing to do is call the central appointment line at 963-6880 during normal duty hours and cancel at least 24 hours before your appointment so we have enough time to book another patient into the time slot. Remember, you are the key to increasing access to health care for all TRICARE beneficiaries.
Please direct any questions or concerns pertaining to this article to 1st Lt. William Frechette at william.frechette.1@us.af.mil.