Howey
Gold Member
- Mar 4, 2013
- 5,481
- 761
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So I was at the local VA clinic today and the nurse was telling me about the newly implemented appointment system. We will now get a letter ahead of the appointment requiring us to make it. It's a great idea and one I've been expecting.
The reason for this is one I've noticed in the past few years as there's been notices posted all over the clinic.
VA PATIENTS DON'T SHOW UP FOR THEIR APPOINTMENTS, adding billions of dollars to the health care toll.
Whereas the number of patients waiting for initial care is a travesty, it's a tiny portion of overall patients, and far less than the 20% no-show, no-cancel rate mentioned above.
What does this mean? A large portion of the blame for the current crisis within the VA can be directly attributed to VA patients themselves preventing their fellow patients awaiting their first visit the opportunity to see a doctor.
Guys and gals...make your appointment. If you can't, call with sufficient notice to change it.
The reason for this is one I've noticed in the past few years as there's been notices posted all over the clinic.
VA PATIENTS DON'T SHOW UP FOR THEIR APPOINTMENTS, adding billions of dollars to the health care toll.
Whereas the number of patients waiting for initial care is a travesty, it's a tiny portion of overall patients, and far less than the 20% no-show, no-cancel rate mentioned above.
What does this mean? A large portion of the blame for the current crisis within the VA can be directly attributed to VA patients themselves preventing their fellow patients awaiting their first visit the opportunity to see a doctor.
Guys and gals...make your appointment. If you can't, call with sufficient notice to change it.