Average Patient No-Show Rate
- Adrian Mustain
- Jul 15
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 30
The average no-show rate for pre-op assessments in the U.S. is 17%. This may be due to unforeseen circumstances, such as weather conditions, vehicle breakdowns, inability to leave work, lack of childcare, and more.
In this analysis, we examined no-show rates across multiple variables to better understand the patterns behind missed appointments. Our data explores:
No-Show Rates by Appointment Type
Appointment type has a clear impact on patient attendance. Virtual pre-op assessments consistently show the lowest no-show rates, largely due to their convenience and flexibility. In contrast, primary care visits have the highest no-show rates, often tied to longer lead times and scheduling obstacles. In-person pre-op and specialist appointments fall in the middle, reflecting a mix of accessibility and priority levels.
No-Show Rates by Appointment Lead Time
Appointment lead time (number of days between scheduling and appointment) has a notable effect on whether patients show up. Our research found a clear trend: the longer the wait, the higher the likelihood of a no-show. Shorter lead times, such as same-day or next-day appointments, tend to have much lower no-show rates.
No-Show Rates by Day of Week
Some days consistently have higher no-show rates, likely due to work and family obligations. Our findings reveal that no-shows are most common at the beginning and end of the workweek, possibly because of hectic work schedules or extended weekends. In contrast, mid-week days and Saturdays tend to have the lowest no-show rates, making them ideal for reducing missed appointments.
No-Show Rates By Time of Day
We observed that no-show rates are lower for morning appointments compared to those scheduled later in the day. By reviewing appointment data across different times, we were able to identify these trends.
No-Show Rates by Specialty
Our research analyzed multiple specialties to pinpoint which ones have the highest pre-op appointment no-show rates. As the table below illustrates, certain specialties, like orthopedics and general surgery, tend to experience higher pre-op no-show rates, which can delay care and disrupt surgical schedules.
Top Reported Reasons For Missed Appointments
There are many reasons patients miss appointments, from simply forgetting to the inability to take time off from work. We asked patients why they typically miss appointments, and the following were the top reasons:
No-Show Rates by Reminder Type
It’s always a good idea to remind your patients of their upcoming appointments. Our research evaluated no-show rates based on whether patients received phone calls, text messages, emails, or no reminder at all. The results show that more immediate, mobile-friendly reminders, like text messages, tend to be more effective in reducing no-show rates compared to traditional methods.
Hassle-Free Surgical Clearance
Long wait times and in-person visits can lead to missed appointments and delayed surgery dates. At MyPreOp, we eliminate the hassle with fully virtual pre-op assessments, helping reduce no-shows and keeping your schedule on track. Our streamlined process works around your schedule and gets your patients surgery-ready faster than traditional clinics.
Book your virtual pre-op consultation today via our online scheduler, by calling (424) 224-9151, or emailing contact@mypreop.org.
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