What action should a Patient Service Specialist take if they suspect a future appointment may be cancelled?

When there is a suspicion that a future appointment may be cancelled, reaching out to the patient to confirm their intent to keep the appointment is the most proactive and effective approach. This communication allows the Patient Service Specialist to clarify any uncertainty surrounding the appointment and provides the patient an opportunity to express any concerns or changing circumstances that may affect their attendance.

By confirming with the patient, the specialist demonstrates attentiveness to their needs and helps maintain an efficient schedule for the practice. Moreover, this action can reduce the likelihood of missed appointments and help ensure that the provider's time is optimally utilized. Clear communication often leads to a better patient experience and speaks to the high standard of care expected in an ophthalmology practice.

On the other hand, waiting until the day of the appointment would be reactive rather than proactive and could leave the schedule vulnerable to cancellations without a plan in place. Automatically rescheduling the appointment might disrupt the patient's plans without confirming their intentions, and simply telling the next patient to come early does not address the root of the problem, which is confirming the commitment of the patient in question.