Too often, I’ve observed that staff members are unconcerned or even feel a sense of relief when a patient doesn’t show up, as if it gives the employees of a busy practice a chance to catch their breath. Then there’s the doctor that simply shrugs his or her shoulders and says, “Now maybe I’ll get out of the office on time.” Take heed, a missed appointment is not a good thing, ever. And missed appointments should not be taken lightly. There’s a big price for the “no show” or the 11th-hour cancellation. It kills efficiency, and the associated costs are staggering.
