Addressing risk factors could limit number of missed imaging appointments
UC Irvine study finds nearly 24% of patients are no-shows or skip altogether
September 05, 2024
IN THE NEWS: A UC Irvine study found that nearly 24% of patients miss their imaging appointments, which can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment that result in poor outcomes. "Sociodemographic factors associated with outpatient radiology no-shows vs cancellations" was published in Academic Radiology in August 2024.
UCI Health neuroradiologist and corresponding author Dr. Gelareh Sadigh explained in Radiology Business how providers can work to limit the number of missed appointments by addressing various risk factors, including basic transportation, work schedules and insurance.
“Having a checklist by the ordering provider or the imaging scheduler of tests or processes needed prior to an imaging exam ... may also be useful in decreasing cancellations. Lastly, addressing health-related social risks such as transportation access can reduce cancellations.”
Sadigh, an associate professor in the Department of Radiological Sciences at UC Irvine School of Medicine, specializes in imaging of the brain and spine.
She also serves as director of Radiology Health Services and Comparative Outcome Research for the Department of Radiological Sciences and is a member of the UCI Health Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center Cancer's control program and its committee on cancer care delivery.
Sadigh is the author or co-author of more than 70 published manuscripts, with an emphasis on healthcare value and disparities. Her major areas of research include medical financial hardship, price transparency and costs of care, shared decision-making and healthcare utilization.
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