The effect of a carve-out advanced access scheduling system on no-show rates

Fam Med. 2009 Jan;41(1):51-6.

Abstract

Background and objectives: The relationship between advanced access scheduling and no-show rates in academic settings is unclear. The purpose of this analysis is to assess the effect of moving to a carve-out model of an advanced access scheduling system on no-show rates in an academic practice.

Methods: A multivariable logistic regression with repeated measures analysis of patient visits was used to assess the relationship between the time to third-next available appointment and no-show rates.

Results: The time to third-next available appointment was not a significant factor in appointment-keeping behavior. Rather, provider-patient continuity, wait time for an appointment, the number of previous appointments, and type of provider were strong predictors of a patient no-show.

Conclusions: Implementation of the concepts of advanced access scheduling does not directly result in a reduction in no-show rates; rather, provider-patient continuity, wait time to an appointment, and other factors may be a more important measure.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Appointments and Schedules*
  • Continuity of Patient Care / organization & administration*
  • Continuity of Patient Care / statistics & numerical data
  • Family Practice / statistics & numerical data
  • Female
  • Health Services Accessibility / organization & administration*
  • Health Services Accessibility / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Compliance / statistics & numerical data*
  • Regression Analysis
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • South Carolina
  • Time Factors
  • Young Adult