Follow Doc’s orders Published March 12, 2009 By 72nd Medical Group TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., -- Did you know there are more than 35 no-shows for various medical appointments every day at the 72nd Medical Group -- more than 10 daily in Family Practice alone? This translates to more than 750 wasted appointment slots monthly. These no-shows cost the Air Force $120,000 every month in man-hours and missed revenue. Each no-show becomes a lost resource that another beneficiary could have used. This trend can be stopped, but we need your help. Here are three things that you can do to help us reduce wasted appointments. DOC's orders. First, Document. When you make an appointment, document it on something (e.g., refrigerator, planner, calendar) so you remember it when the time comes. Next is be On time. Please remember to arrive on time (15 minutes early) in order to complete the necessary paperwork to help us facilitate your appointment. Lastly, Call. Call at least 24 hours in advance if you no longer need or cannot keep your appointment. This will give us enough time to schedule another patient and avoid losing that time slot. Help us eliminate no-shows.