Don’t be a no-show

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Linda Arrey-Mbi
  • 14th Medical Group
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  Our goal at the 14th Medical Group is to meet the healthcare needs of you and your family by providing the best possible medical care and access to our services.

To provide the appointments needed for our enrolled patients and their families, we need your help in preventing no-shows.  Last minute cancellations and/or not showing up for your scheduled appointments has a negative impact on everyone's access to services and can adversely affect the readiness mission.  
     
In 2014, there have been 1,302 missed appointments at the 14th MDG, valued at more than $91,140.  This value not only represents lost productivity, but also significant wasted resources that could be better used elsewhere.  We understand that unforeseen circumstances may sometimes occur resulting in missed appointments, but when you "no show" for an appointment, it can not only negatively affect your medical readiness, but also prevent your family or colleagues from getting a needed appointment, perhaps for an urgent issue.

To decrease the amount of no-shows, the 14th MDG appointment reminder system calls patients two days prior to their scheduled appointment. If you get this call and you no longer need the appointment, please let us know so we can make that appointment available to someone else. 
Please note however, that it uses the most current phone numbers listed in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System, so it is critical to update your local phone number in DEERS.  You can update your information by contacting the Military Personnel Service at (662) 434-2626.

Help us take care of you and your family by canceling at least 24 hours in advance so that your appointment can be offered to another patient. You can cancel by contacting the 14th MDG central appointments line at 434-CARE, or if you have a TRICARE Online account you can cancel your appointment online at www.tricareonline.com. In addition, if you are enrolled in MiCare, you can also take advantage of emailing your provider and his/her team directly. 

As we improve our processes, we welcome your feedback.  Thanks for helping us take care of you and your family.  To provide feedback, contact 2nd Lt. Linda Arrey-Mbi,14th MDG Group Practice Manager at (662) 434-2181 or Lindamira.arrey_mbi.1@us.af.mil.