Decreasing No-shows for nutrition counseling

Tue, 09/02/2014 - 15:55 -- pammie4ph

Everything I have read about decreasing broken clinic appointments seems to focus on having more same-day appointments available for clients. This doesn't seem to help with nutrition counseling services. We have to have a referral from their provider and then we call them to schedule the appointment. Our no-show rate is over 50%!
Anyone have any pearls of wisdom about this? We are not sure if it is because the client doesn't really want the service, it is recommended by their doctor but not something they sought out or what.

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Submitted by kmoon on

It's difficult in Mississippi to get our WIC clients to come for nutrition counseling. I don't think they recognize the value in it.

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Submitted by kmoon on

It's difficult in Mississippi to get our WIC clients to come for nutrition counseling. I don't think they recognize the value in it.

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Submitted by prusso on

Sounds like you have a great start on some root causes - you're open to a lot of different reasons why they might not return for nutrition counseling. Including the customer perspective - what do they think is the value? Ask them what would make it of value - Would they rather have group counseling? Cooking classes? are you providing childcare during sessions? Schedule it to coincide right after next WIC visit - if on site?

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Submitted by temx39 on

I find if you talk to the customer before the visit, they will better show up if you assure them that you are not there to put them on a diet. The customer understands better when you explain that you are there to help them with better choices. If they are told to bring a 3 day food diary of what they are eating and drinking then they can see in their own handwriting where the problem spots are and if they do want to change to better habits then they show up to the appointment.

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Submitted by gilda.zarate on

What is the average wait time at this particular clinic to be seen for Nutrition Counseling session?

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Gilda Zarate-Gonzalez, MPH, CLC-Madera County Public Health Department