Did you know that fails and cancellations are a result of what happened in the chair during the appointment prior? Instilling the value of the next appointment is key to reducing the fail/cancellation ratio within your practice.
Here are tips on how to reduce fails and cancellations in your practice:
- Instill the value of the next appointment by reminding the patient we are going to see you to monitor (X) instead of “we will see you at your next checkup”.
- Avoid using verbiage like “a little”, “tiny”, “not urgent”, “schedule when you have time” when treatment planning and scheduling. Sometimes our words devalue what we provide and consequently the value of the appointment.
- If not confirmed 2 days prior with the auto system, make phone calls to ensure that patients are aware of their appointment.
- Have appropriate letters and or fees when patients do not respect the time that was reserved for them
- Have a “ASAP” quick fill list
- Create an ongoing list of patients who want to be contacted if an earlier appointment becomes available. Having a go-to list makes it easier to connect with these patients on short notice.
Although last minute cancels can still occur, remembering these tips will reduce the headaches associated with scheduling changes.
For more information and guidance, contact [email protected]
