The Real Cost of No-Shows: Why Missed Appointments Hurt Everyone
At Orleans Family Health Clinic (OFHC), we are committed to delivering timely, accessible healthcare. But one ongoing challenge continues to strain the system for both patients and providers: missed appointments, commonly called no-shows.
Whether it’s a simple check-up or a critical follow-up, missed appointments cause delays, reduce access for others, and cost the system valuable time and resources. In a typical month, dozens of patients at our clinic miss their scheduled visits—many without notice.
Why No-Shows Are a Serious Problem
When a patient doesn’t show up:
- Another patient in need is left waiting
- Physicians lose time they could’ve spent with someone else
- The entire clinic’s schedule is disrupted
- Healthcare resources are wasted
One small-town clinic in Ontario reported 48 missed appointments in a single month, amounting to 16 hours of lost care. And that’s not including patients who show up late.
Why Patients Miss Appointments
Studies across Canada and the U.K. have shown that no-shows are common for reasons including:
- Forgetting or not receiving reminders
- Transportation problems
- Fear, anxiety, or low motivation
- Miscommunication or wrong dates
- Personal issues (e.g., childcare, illness, work)
Young adults (16–30), the elderly, and those facing socioeconomic barriers are more likely to miss appointments—often unintentionally.
What Helps Reduce No-Shows?
Thankfully, small steps can make a big difference:
- Phone or text reminders have been shown to reduce missed appointments
- Clear cancellation policies help set expectations
- Transparent communication about the impact of no-shows can raise awareness
- Flexible rescheduling makes it easier to keep appointments
At OFHC, we use reminder calls and are working toward more digital options to help keep you on track with your care.
What About No-Show Fees?
Like many clinics, OFHC reserves the right to charge a fee for missed appointments without sufficient notice. These policies are guided by provincial medical colleges and always consider patients’ personal circumstances and ability to pay. Our priority is care—not penalties.
What You Can Do
We understand life happens—but if you can’t make your appointment:
- Please call us as soon as possible (ideally 24+ hours in advance)
- Confirm or reschedule when you receive a reminder
- Keep contact information updated so we can reach you
By keeping your appointments—or canceling responsibly—you’re helping us provide better care to more people in our community.
Thank you for being part of the solution.
Orleans Family Health Clinic
Partners in community-based care.
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Disclaimer: The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information does not substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please do not initiate, modify, or discontinue any treatment, medication, or supplement solely based on this information. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider first. Full Disclaimer.
