Analysis Of The "No Show" Rate In An Ambulatory Neurology Clinic And Modeling To Predict Future Visit Failures

OBJECTIVETo see if consistent reasons exist for “no shows” in neurology clinic and to compare the no-show rates in the resident clinic, attending clinic and the various neurology subspecialties.BACKGROUND“No shows” in outpatient clinics are a long recognized issue and happens when a patient does not keep a scheduled appointment or cancels with such minimal lead-time that the slot cannot be filled. Per studies find no-shows generally range from 10[percnt] to 30[percnt] . The waiting time for new and established patients in our neurology clinic ranged anywhere from 2 months in some sub-specialties to 7 months in others with a similar waiting time for the resident clinic.DESIGN/METHODSRetrospective data was collected to determine the no show rate of resident’s clinic, attending’s clinic and the various neurology subspecialties from May 1st 2013 to Dec 1st 2014. De-identified data was analyzed statistically. Simple comparisons of groups was be made using ANOVA for continuous variables and chi-square tests for categorical outcomes. A logistic regression model was applied, with model selection, to determine what factors affect patient’s attendance. The impact of Televox (a technology system for appointment reminders) on the “no show rate” was looked at independently.RESULTSAmong the 37616 appointments scheduled in the above period, 9869 (26[percnt]) were a “no show”.No show rate was highest in resident’s clinic (35.8 to 42.3[percnt]), in neurogenetics (39.1[percnt]) and general neurology (34.3[percnt]), in spring (30[percnt]), in March (32.9[percnt]), on Mondays (28.3[percnt]), among non-insured (33.5[percnt]) and among new patient visits (33[percnt]). Televox data showed 30[percnt] no show with lack of telephonic confirmation. Chi square tests yielded a p value u003c .0001 for each variable.CONCLUSIONSOur overall no show rate was comparable to other published studies. Implementing a statistical model from the logistic regression in our scheduling will improve the clinic turnover. Disclosure: Dr. Sudhakar has nothing to disclose. Dr. Ryan has nothing to disclose. Dr. Akers has nothing to disclose. Dr. Xu has nothing to disclose.