Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) Clinical Imaging Department Deputy Chair Dr Amal Al Obaidli revealed that 25% to 30% of patients miss their clinical imaging appointments, which have been ordered by attending physicians for further diagnosis and investigation. This practice deprives other patients of the opportunity to avail the clinical imaging services they need.
Dr Al Obaidli stated that there are many reasons behind patients missing their clinical imaging appointments despite receiving the SMS reminder, either because they do not have access to transportation, do not have permission to leave their place of work, or they forget the appointment.
Patients who skip appointments do not realise that if not rescheduled, missed appointments deny other patients access to healthcare they need, says Dr Al Obaidli.
Assistant Executive Director Mashael Ali A M Al-Ejail urged patients to adhere to their appointments or reschedule them if they are unable to attend. Patients can contact the Call and Appointments Center via WhatsApp at 4439 3377.
Commitment to attend medical appointments is a social responsibility that should be observed, by both the healthcare service provider and recipients of such services. Attending appointments would positively impact the flow of patients in terms of reducing the wait time and achieving patient satisfaction.
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