All schedulers are required to check the Recall Tab in the patient’s Appointment Desk as the first step when scheduling a follow-up appointment, especially when a patient calls to schedule an appointment.
![](https://news.unchealthcare.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/1159/2011/06/UNC-News-300x201.png)
Using the “Patient Recall” functionality allows scheduling staff to manage patients that need to return for additional appointments when future provider schedules are not yet available. You can create a “recall” to prompt system reminders whereby a patient automatically receives a letter and phone call to schedule their follow-up appointment at least 30 days prior to the recall date.
If a recall exists for the patient in the department where the follow-up is being requested, the follow-up appointment must be scheduled from the recall. Failure to follow this process and scheduling a follow-up appointment using the “Make Appointment” button when the patient has an applicable Recall entry in the Recall Tab could result in the following problematic outcomes for the patient:
- The patient will continue to receive paper and telephonic reminders to schedule their follow-up appointment even though the appointment was already scheduled.
- The patient will also receive the scheduled follow-up appointment reminder(s) in addition to the Recall reminders.
- Receiving multiple patient reminders as a result of items #1 and #2 above is a major patient dissatisfier.
Click here to view an updated Tip Sheet that covers Patient Recall functionality and requirements.