2025 American Academy of Neurology Abstract Website

Objective:

This study aims to compare No-show rates (NSR) between a general neurology clinic, and two subspecialty clinics (stroke and seizure clinic) in a safety-net hospital in New Jersey while identifying factors associated with no-shows.

Background:

NSR are a significant issue in outpatient care, particularly in urban settings where socioeconomic challenges and healthcare access barriers are prevalent. Understanding these rates across general and subspecialty neurology clinics can help identify areas for targeted intervention.

Design/Methods:

Data from April 2022 to March 2024 were retrospectively analyzed across three neurology clinics, focusing on new, follow-up (FU), and emergency department (ED) referral patients. Factors such as gender, age, language, and insurance status were also analyzed.

Results:

General neurology clinic: FU patients had a 33% NSR (n=323), while new patients had a 52% NSR (n=271). ED referrals had a 62% NSR (n=26).

Stroke clinic: FU patients had a 47% NSR (n=143), new patients had a 62% NSR (n=219), and ED referrals had a 39% NSR (n=23).

Seizure Clinic: Show rates were highest due to a higher proportion of FU patients (NSR 26%, n=410), with new patients and ED referrals showing higher NSR (66% and 71%, respectively). Medicaid patients accounted for the most shows (n=67) and no-shows (n=30), reflecting their larger representation. Uninsured patients exhibited higher no-show rates. Female patients were more likely to attend appointments, while language barriers and lack of insurance were associated with higher NSR.

Conclusions:

The seizure clinic had the highest show rates, likely due to disease-specific needs for medication refills and management. New patients and ED referrals across all clinics consistently had higher NSR (>50%). Medicaid patients had the most no-shows and shows, reflecting their larger patient population. Uninsured patients were more likely to miss appointments. Addressing transportation, language barriers, and socioeconomic disparities is crucial to reducing NSR in safety-net hospitals.