Make a reasonable effort to contact patients who miss scheduled appointments or tests. A "reasonable effort" depends on the clinical importance of the test or visit, the severity of the patient's medical condition, and the risk associated with the missed appointment. For patients at minimal risk, a single phone call or postcard following the missed appointment may suffice. For patients who need ongoing monitoring or treatment, a more concerted effort (e.g., certified mail) should be made to inform them about the specific risks of missing appointments. Document your attempts to obtain follow-up, as well as missed appointments, failure to follow up, failure to follow care instructions, and any other examples of patient non-compliance, along with the patient's stated reason for missing the appointment.
