LAUSR

23Background: Patient no-show (NSh) for scheduled medical appointments negatively impacts quality of care, impedes optimal use of resources, has significant negative economic consequences secondary to missed appointments, and uncovered referral processing costs. International patients (IntlPts) present challenging financial/travel arrangements and cultural and linguistic needs. There are currently very limited data regarding numbers of IntlPts visiting the United States for medical care and no data regarding NSh rates. The purpose of this study was to quantify costs and identify IntlPts-related variables correlating with NSh to develop interventions aimed at minimizing the associated negative financial consequences. Methods: A retrospective study of IntlPts accepted and scheduled for an appointment at the International Assessment Center at MD Anderson in fiscal years 2010 – 2013 was conducted. Overall 52 variables were evaluated that included socio-demographic and clinical patient characteristics, financi...