Health PEI pilot program plans curb the high rate of now-shows for diagnostic imaging appointments

Despite reminder letters to homes, emails and phone calls, front-line staffers found approximately 150 patients didn’t show up for their diagnostic imaging appointments each month. Health PEI says missed appointments slow down the process of getting diagnostic images to physicians to treat patients quickly. The pilot will use texts or phone calls to confirm appointments. Patients will have the option of accepting or declining the appointment, rescheduling, or speaking with staff. It will send reminders to patients 30 days prior, seven days prior, and again the day before the appointment. Health PEI learned from patient feedback that they were unaware of their appointments. The program will start Dec. 3.