HomeNewsArticle Display

Don’t be a ‘no-show’

  • Published
  • 72nd Medical Group
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  
The goal at the 72nd Medical Group is to meet the health care needs of you and your family by providing the best possible medical care and access to our services.
In order 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 have a negative impact on everyone's access to services and can adversely affect the readiness mission.
In 2014, there were 8,550 missed appointments at the 72nd MDG, valued at more than $2.3 million. 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 affects your medical readiness, but also prevents your family or colleagues from getting a needed appointment, perhaps for an urgent issue.
To decrease the amount of no-shows, the 72nd 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, the system uses the most current phone numbers listed in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System, so it is critical to update your phone number in DEERS. You can update your information by calling (800) 538-9552.
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 your appointment by contacting the 72nd MDG central appointments line at 734-APPT (2778) or online at www.tricareonline.com.  Additionally, if you are enrolled in MiCare, you can also take advantage of the secure messaging option and send an email to your provider and his/her team directly. 
As we improve our processes, we welcome your feedback. Thank you for helping us take care of you and your family. To provide feedback, please contact Capt. Jimmie Southwood, 72nd MDG Group Practice manager, at 582-6271 or jimmie.southwood@us.af.mil.