No show: incidence of nonattendance at a dermatology practice in a single universal payer model

Nonattendance at scheduled appointments is a major problem. Previous studies have shown rates between 17 and 31%. Most US studies found the type of payer to be the greatest determinant of attendance rates.

This study examines the no-show rate in a private dermatology practice under a single universal payer model, including the effects of old versus new patient, gender, day of the week, month, and weather.

The overall rate of nonattendance was lower than in all previous studies (7.79%), with the only statistically significant variable being established versus new patients.

Certain demographic data investigated in previous studies (eg, age, socioeconomic status) were not assessable. Data are from a single office.

The no-show rate in a single universal payer, private practice model is low, especially for established patients.