Background: 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.
Objectives: 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.
Results: 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.
Limitations: Certain demographic data investigated in previous studies (eg, age, socioeconomic status) were not assessable. Data are from a single office.
Conclusion: The no-show rate in a single universal payer, private practice model is low, especially for established patients.