Edwards registers 930 medical appointment no-shows since January

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Julius Delos Reyes
  • 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Since January, the 95th Medical Group has recorded about 930 instances of patients failing to show up for their appointments. 

For the month of May, 65 active duty, 47 dependents and 19 retirees missed their appointments -- if a patient is at least five minutes late, it is considered a no-show. 

"No-shows deprive another person from getting an appointment when they really needed it," said Maj. (Dr.) Caroline Plahuta, 95th MDG practice manager. "Our appointments run every 15 minutes. Five minutes sounds like nothing until one-third of your time with a patient is taken away because a patient was late." 

The 95th MDG clinic has a very scheduled flow with slot times for patient appointments, Major Plahuta said. If a patient comes in late, they are given two options: reschedule or wait until the provider is free and the provider will see them. 

No-shows affect the medical process because it throws the provider's entire schedule off for the rest of the day, she said. 

"Military members are responsible for contacting the clinic and cancelling appointments if they are unable to attend," said Master Sgt. Phillip Gettins, 95th Force Support Squadron first sergeant. "This extends to those they sponsor as well." 

Punishment can vary for no-shows depending on the number of times an individual has missed appointments and the reason for the missed appointment, Sergeant Gettins said. 

"Your health care is important to us as your caregivers (and) the Air Force," Major Plahuta said. "Your preventive health appointments are critically important to keeping you medically ready for the Air Force mission and deployment capability." 

Patients can schedule their appointment either through calling at 277-7118 or visiting www.tricareonline.com. The appointment line is available on duty days, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., while online appointments are available 24/7.