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Mind your manners: Show up for appointments

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Leigh Swanson
  • 90th Medical Operations Squadron Commander
Good manners are integral to any well-functioning society. Of course, the definition of good manners may vary in different societies. A version of "please" and "thank you" are likely ingrained in all societies, but burping loudly after a meal is considered a sign of a good meal in only a few cultures. 

Unfortunately, a lack of good manners is having an effect on my workplace. Since arriving at Warren, I have been alerted by my Airmen to an example of missing good manners that has occurred from active duty, dependents, and retired alike - not showing up to a scheduled medical appointment. I understand that occasionally people just forget about an appointment until it is too late, but unfortunately there are some who make this a habit. These people may not realize the personal and financial implications that arise from an empty appointment. 

Because of our manning levels, coupled with deployments, we are unable to see all people eligible for medical care at our base. We must send some people downtown so they can receive their medical care in a timely manner. A lot of these people would like to be seen at our clinic, but we don't have the open appointments to meet their needs. When someone doesn't show up for their scheduled appointment, that appointment goes unused and valuable provider time is wasted. That appointment could have been used by someone that wanted to be seen on base, but was sent downtown instead. 

There is a financial cost as well for missed appointments. From October 2006 to June 2007, the cost of missed appointments at the 90th Medical Group was about $280,000 (about $400,000 a year). This is money that could have been used to buy more modern equipment or hire additional staff. Instead it pays the bills for the people who were asked to receive their medical care downtown, because an appointment on base went empty due to someone not bothering to show up to their scheduled appointment or calling ahead to cancel. 

It really comes down to good manners and personal responsibility. Just as most people don't like it when someone doesn't show up for an event when they said they would, the providers at the 90th MDG don't appreciate it when someone doesn't show up for a medical appointment. So if something comes up and you are unable to make your scheduled appointment, please call us to cancel so we can schedule someone that wants and needs to be seen in that spot. We will be happy to reschedule the appointment to a more convenient time for you.