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15th MDG: Don’t be a no-show

  • Published
  • By Capt. Louis Edwards
  • 15th Medical Group
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii --  The goal of the 15th Medical Group is to meet the healthcare needs of Airmen and their families by providing the best possible medical care and access to its services.

In order to provide the appointments needed for enrolled patients and their families, the 15th MDG asks members to do their part in preventing no-shows. Last-minute cancellations or not showing up for scheduled appointments have a negative impact on patients' access to services and can adversely affect the readiness mission. 
      
In 2014 there were 4,293 missed medical and dental appointments at the 15 MDG, a loss valued at more than $1.2 million. This value not only represents lost productivity, but also a significant amount of wasted resources that could be better used elsewhere. The average appointment takes about 20 minutes, so that equates to 1,431 hours of lost time in fiscal year 2014.

To decrease the amount of no-shows, the 15 MDG appointment reminder system calls patients two days prior to their scheduled appointment. If a patient gets this call and no longer needs the appointment, they should let the clinic know so they can make that appointment available to someone else.

The appointment reminder system uses the most current phone numbers listed in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS), so it is critical to update phone numbers and other information in DEERS by calling (800) 538-9552.

Patients should cancel appointments at least 2 hours in advance, or the day before if their appointment is at 9 a.m. or earlier so their appointment can be offered to another patient. To cancel an appointment, contact the 15th MDG Central Appointment Line at 448-6000 during normal hours of operation. If an appointment was booked using www.tricareonline.com, it can be cancelled online at any time. In addition, if a patient is enrolled in MiCare, they can also take advantage of emailing their provider and their healthcare team directly instead of making an appointment for medical questions, medication refills, lab result requests and any other non-urgent medical issue. Patients interesting in registering for MiCare should notify a front desk clinic staff member during a visit to the facility.

As clinic processes improve, feedback is welcome, and patients interested in providing feedback should contact Capt. Louis Edwards, 15th MDG Group Practice Manager at 448-6756 or louis.edwards.3@us.af.mil.