Sociodemographic Factors Associated with Outpatient Radiology No-shows Versus Cancellations

Abstract

ObjectiveTo assess prevalence of missed outpatient radiology appointments and sociodemographic factors associated with no-shows vs. cancellations. MethodsAdults with outpatient radiology appointments in 2022 and January 2023 at a single tertiary academic health center were included. Generalized estimating equation regression was used to evaluate sociodemographic factors associated with missed vs. completed appointments, no-shows vs. cancellations and time interval between cancellations and appointments. Results19,262 (24.3%) examinations were either a cancellation (22.3%) or no-show (2.0%) among 9,713 patients (mean age 60.8±15.5; 67.1% female, 63.9% white, 20.0% Asian, 22.0% Hispanics). Among cancellations, 70.19% were patient-initiated. Age ≥ 65 significantly decreased the probability of missed appointments by 5.4 percentage point (pp) (95% CI: 3.7–7.2) or no-shows (4.2 pp; 95% CI, 1.4—6.9), while being single increased probability of missed appointments (2.2 pp; 95% CI, 1.2– 3.1) or no-shows (2.6 pp; 95% CI, 1.2—4.1). Those uninsured or with public insurance were 1.3 to 4.9 pp more likely to miss appointments than commercial insurance, and 2.2 to 7.6 pp more likely to have no-shows than cancellations. Living in disadvantaged neighborhoods 4.9 pp (95% CI, 3.9-6.0) increased likelihood of missing appointment and was associated with shorter time interval between cancellation and appointment. English speakers were 2.2 pp (95% CI, 1.1-3.3) more likely to miss their exam, while 2.7 pp (95% Ci, 1.1-0.4.3) less likely to be a no-show than cancellation. DiscussionCancellations represented a significant portion of missed appointments. Specific sociodemographic subgroups exhibited higher tendencies for having missed appointments and no-shows.