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Have you found yourself in pain in the morning, needing an appointment as soon as possible, only to find out the next available appointment isn’t for a few days?
Chances are a few appointments will open up before then, but because a previously booked appointment wasn’t canceled or rescheduled, the appointment will go unfilled.
“There is an average of 200 no-shows a month for dental appointments, meaning there are 200 people who couldn’t be scheduled that month,” said Col. (Dr.) Allen Hebert, 86th Dental Squadron commander. “There are even more appointments taken up because the original no-shows have to be seen again.”
The time taken is more than just the appointment itself; it’s the preparation work done before each appointment as well.
“Our appointments are tailored specifically for our patients. This is their time,” Hebert said. “We gather up exactly what our patients need to provide the best quality service we can. If there’s a no-show we just don’t have enough time to switch out the equipment and get another patient into that appointment time.”
Maj. (Dr.) Christopher Bender, 86th Medical Group practice manager, said patients have up to two hours before their appointment to call or go to Tricare online to cancel their appointment. If a patient misses their appointment then they are considered a no-show.
“In our business, the more time we have with a notification, the better chance we have of filling it with someone else who needs care,” Hebert said. “We can get that person in no matter if it’s because of pain or discomfort, readiness or routine care. Time is mission accomplishment.”
Members of the medical group have a routine they must go through before providing care to their patients. The appointment block isn’t the only time their care is discussed.
“We huddle every morning so we can identify the correct procedure and instruments for each patient and so we have the correct time for their appointment,” Hebert said. “Before each appointment we have to set up the room. Not many people realize we spend more time on them than just their treatment time.”
Patients are responsible for their own medical appointment. Service members can get an email reminder with their appointment time but must ensure their email address is up-to-date when they schedule their appointment.
“Members of the dental squadron are ready to do their part. All it takes is a little of effort on the patient’s side,” Hebert said. “We are highly skilled and trained, and we’re ready to provide a variety of services to our active-duty beneficiaries to not only improve the health of our population but to ensure the Air Force mission is achieved.”
According to the 86th MDG appointment no-show policy, active-duty patients who no-show an appointment may be reported to their commander. Non-active duty patients who repeatedly fail to keep appointments should be referred to the chief of medical staff who will determine the appropriate response for the situation.
“The medical group is a benefit that patients need to take seriously,” said Maj. (Dr.) Shannon Klump, 86th MDG primary care flight medical director. “Patients need to take personal responsibility and call beforehand to cancel if they will not being able to make it.”
To schedule or cancel appointments or to check lab results, visit Tricare online at www.tricareonline.com or call 479-2273 or 06371462273 (for family health appointments), or 479-2210 or 06371462210 (for dental appointments).
