Missed Appointments Cost the US Healthcare System 150b Each Year

A medical staff member calls out a name in a packed waiting room. No one responds. The person’s name is crossed off the list as a no-show. Patient no-shows are a costly problem for healthcare clinics. They result in lost revenue and under-utilization of resources in physicians’ schedules. They also lead to delayed appointments for patients who do show up, and can create a negative experience for patients who attend.

According to a recent study, missed appointments cost the u.s healthcare system 150 billion dollars each year. This figure accounts for the direct costs to the practice and to the broader system from lost revenue, higher emergency room admission rates, and discontinuation of care processes.

The indirect cost of missed appointment is even greater. Every time a patient doesn’t show up to an appointment, it disrupts the health care process for others who are trying to see their doctor. This may result in longer wait times, frustrated patients and staff, and ultimately poorer outcomes for the patient and the wider community.

Addressing the root causes of patient no-shows is essential to reducing this costly issue. This can be done by making the appointment scheduling journey as seamless and friendly as possible, with multiple methods of communication, numerous appointment reminders, and self-scheduling options for patients. It is also crucial to provide targeted support for populations that are more likely to miss appointments, such as those with financial constraints, cultural or language barriers, and limited access to transportation. missed appointments cost the u.s healthcare system 150b each year