FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas. - Did you know that when you miss a medical appointment (no-show), it keeps another Soldier, Family member or Retiree from using that appointment slot for medical care they really need. Generally speaking, a no-show is defined as a patient who has an appointment who neither uses that appointment, nor cancels/notifies the treatment facility of their inability to keep the appointment.
Missed appointments, or no-shows, impacts not only the health of the Soldier or Family member, but it also impacts the medical readiness of the Army fighting force.
When beneficiaries fail to cancel or show up for their appointment, their healthcare provider can't simply shift the rest of the day's appointments up to fill their space. In short, that time slot goes unused and is wasted time for the healthcare providers and their staff.
According to Michael Griffin, Deputy Chief, Health Plan Management Office for U.S. Army Medical Command, "There are approximately 48,000 average appointments missed monthly across the entire Army which equates to a no-show rate of approximately 6 percent." He added, "That is based on approximately 814,000 appointments booked or made each month."
Army Medicine currently treats or provides care for approximately 1.4 million beneficiaries enrolled in its military treatment facilities (MTF) worldwide.
While a MTF cannot charge you a fee for missing your appointment, a civilian healthcare provider may charge you. The American Medical Association policy says a doctor may charge for a missed appointment -- or failing to cancel 24 hours in advance -- if the office advises them (the patient) they will be charged if they miss an appointment. That fee can range from $20- $40 and isn't covered by TRICARE.
Having said that, it's best to keep your appointments or reschedule them at least 24 hours in advance. If you're being seen at a MTF or clinic, you can do this through TRICARE Online or call your local central appointment line.
TRICARE Online is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can use this portal to set appointment notifications and set up email and text message reminders. If you know you can't make the appointment, you can cancel your appointments right then.
Missed appointments can result in reduced continuity of care and possibly late identification of other health problems.
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