MISSED APPOINTMENTS 101

What happens when you have a patient mapped out for their appointments and then they forget about it? They MISS it. Read on to find successful suggestions to getting the MISSED APPOINTMENT rescheduled and more importantly redefining the patient’s health care goals.

Phone Call #1:
When a patient misses an appointment, call them 15 minutes after their scheduled appointment time.

Patient DOES NOT answer their phone: Hang up and call again at the end of day. (See Phone Call #2)

Patient ANSWERS phone: “Hi Charlotte, this is Katie with Yost Family Chiropractic. We had you scheduled at 8am today and we missed you. Was this appointment scheduled okay?” Patient gives you reason for missing appointment. “I understand. Let’s get you rescheduled!” Always expect the patient will be re-scheduling this appointment rather than asking “Would you like to reschedule?” Before ending the call with the patient, make sure to redefine your expectations: “Okay Charlotte, we will see you tomorrow at noon. If anything changes, please let me know that way I can open this appointment time up for someone else. Thanks and see you tomorrow!”
Phone Call #2:

This phone call should be the 2nd attempt of getting a hold of the patient that same day before you are closing down the office.

Patient DOES NOT answer their phone: “Hi Charlotte, this is Katie with Yost Family Chiropractic. We had you scheduled at 8am earlier today and we missed you. I wanted to check if this appointment was scheduled okay for you and if I can help reschedule this appointment? Remember, missing ONE appointment can set you back at least 1 week on your care plan. Please call me back at ______.”

Patient ANSWERS phone: “Hi Charlotte, this is Katie with Yost Family Chiropractic. We had you scheduled at 8am earlier today and we missed you. Was this appointment scheduled okay?” – “I understand. Let’s get you rescheduled! Would you like this same time on Friday?” -- “Great, we will see you at 8am on Friday. If anything changes, please let me know that way I can open this appointment time up for someone else. Thanks and see you Friday!”

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Please know that they are numerous reasons why a patient will miss an appointment. This suggested scripting is based on a case that the patient truly forgot and WANTS to reschedule. Stay tuned to Chiro Assistants 101’s BLOG for “HANDLING Missed Appointments 101.”

In the meantime, if you have ANY questions, e-mail me at KatieAnnRamsey@ymail.com.