JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
Approximately 3,300 no-show appointments in fiscal 2009 cost the 628th Medical Group here more than $270,000 in internal operating costs due to lost productivity.
However, as a professional medical institution, the financial ramification is not the sole reason for concern. By not honoring appointments, patients may be negatively impacting their health as well. Additionally, most appointments can be rescheduled with prior notice, rather than missed, allowing other patients to be seen in a more-timely manner.
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.
The appointment reminder system uses phone numbers listed in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System, known as DEERS, so it is critical to update local phone numbers in the system. DEERS updates must be accomplished by the sponsor and can be done in person in the 628th Force Support Squadron's Military Personnel Section, or online at https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/appj/address/login/SelectLogin.do.
If unable to meet a scheduled appointment, the best option is call the central appointment line at 963-6880 during normal duty hours and cancel at least 24 hours before the appointment. This will provide a sufficient opportunity for other patients to be scheduled for the time slot.
For any questions or concerns regarding this information, contact 2nd Lt. William Frechette at william.frechette@charleston.af.mil.