Missing appts.

[Guest guest]

Adolfo,I have a new practice.....part time integrative practice. My EMR sends out an email reminder. I email patients the practice policies and the forms I would like them to complete. Then I have them sign a form stating they know email is not secure and that the patient portal is ideal for medical conditions. I have them use the patient portal once I have set it up. I also have them sign saying if I can call and leave a reminder on their answering machine. My policy is a no show can cost up to $50. (This allows me the flexibility to be gracious if the situation needs it.) I also do not have a receptionist and had a new patient claim they could not wait any longer so they left....I scheduled them for 1.5 hrs, so not being able to wait 15 min is total nonsense. Basically, my door was closed and she failed to knock. Hello! If it is your turn and I have no idea you are here ....you need to knock and oh by the way she came like 30 min early or something so she did not wait 45 min.......she waited 15 min.....I wont take responsibility for the other 30. So now I have a sign in sheet and they need to complete the form and slip it under my door, if I am busy or not there to document their presence. Sometimes you need to have policies in place for that 1 person who has no consideration and dont assume people have common sense. They just dont have it and I too run late, so I am gracious. I do however feel arriving a few min late is different than not showing up, or canceling late if you are on jury duty for example. As things come up you will develop policies but planning for some of them ahead may prevent some of the headaches. I would be willing to email you a copy of what I have done if you want. I have spent HOURS developing forms for a paperless practice....crazy but you have to have them initially. BTW, my portal and fax is through Updox and I could not survive without it. Just my 2 cents.Blessings,TammyConnected by DROID on Verizon Wireless