Clinic no-shows are common throughout all medical specialties and can be used as a potential surrogate marker for access to care and have a significant impact on patients and providers. While anecdotally, orthopaedic surgeons have noticed unprecedented changes in the delivery of care as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the effect on no-show rates has not been quantified.

An analysis of the rates of outpatient clinic no-shows within a multispecialty, academic orthopaedic surgery practice was completed. Encounters were sub-classified into designated periods based on a “pre-COVID-19” period, a “COVID-19” period, and a “post-COVID-19” period. A univariate analysis was performed to comment on differences amongst insurance payer status. A multivariate regression was completed to assess which variables contributed to no-show rates among this orthopaedic practice.

The overall no-show rate over the course of the study was 8.5%. These rates differed significantly between insurance groups, with the lowest no-show rate among Workers’ Compensation/Liability Insurance (WC/LI; 6.4%) and the highest among uninsured patients (21.4%). Additionally, no-show rates differed significantly by COVID period (pre-COVID=7.3%, COVID=8.6%, P<.0001). These rates further increased in the post-COVID period (9.6%, P<.0001) In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, medical practice habits have altered out of necessity.

Despite a relaxation of social distancing guidelines, no-show rates have continued to increase at our institution. Our results suggest a disproportionate effect on those of lower socioeconomic status. The specific needs of the patient population should be considered when implementing strategies to improve clinic attendance.