Broken Appointment Policy
The Broken Appointment Policy encourages patients to keep scheduled appointments or provide advance notice if they need to cancel. By reducing missed appointments, the policy helps improve access to timely healthcare for all patients. Please review it carefully.
Helping You Stay Connected to Your Healthcare.
Before Your Appointment
If you need to cancel or reschedule, please contact the clinic by 5:00 p.m. the day before your scheduled appointment.
This allows us to offer your appointment time to another patient who may need care.
Need to cancel?
Call your clinic as soon as possible - preferably by 5:00 PM the day before your appointment.
What Counts as a Broken Appointment?
A broken appointment (or no-show) occurs when you:
- Do not attend your scheduled appointment.
- Arrive more than 10 minutes late.
- Cancel on the day of your appointment for a non-emergency reason.
Broken appointments are tracked over a 6-month period.
Appointment Reminders
With your permission, clinic staff may contact you to remind you of your appointment by phone or another approved method. Reminder calls are typically made within one week of your appointment and no later than the day before.
Reminder: Appointment reminders are a courtesy. Patients are still responsible for keeping track of their scheduled appointments.
If You Miss Appointments
If broken appointments occur within a six-month period, the following steps may be taken:
First Broken Appointment
- You will receive a letter explaining the policy.
- Staff will discuss the importance of keeping appointments.
Second Broken Appointment
- You will receive another notification letter.
- A warning letter will be issued by Quality Management.
Third Broken Appointment
- You may be suspended from clinic services for up to six months.
Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Patients participating in the Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) program may not be suspended for excessive no-shows. Exceptions are made at the provider's discretion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the clinic have a Broken Appointment Policy?
Missed appointments prevent other patients from receiving care and reduce the availability of appointments. This policy helps improve access to healthcare for everyone.
What if I have an emergency?
If you have an emergency that prevents you from attending your appointment, please contact the clinic as soon as possible. Emergency situations are considered differently than routine cancellations.
Will I receive a reminder?
Yes. With your permission, the clinic may send appointment reminders by phone or another approved contact method. However, patients are still responsible for remembering their appointments.
How long are broken appointments tracked?
Broken appointments are tracked over a six-month period.
Do I have to sign this policy?
Yes. Patients are asked to review and sign the Broken Appointment Policy each year.
Questions?
If you have questions about this policy or need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, please contact your local Karuk Tribal Health & Human Services clinic. Our staff is happy to assist you.
Contact Information
You may request an additional paper copy of this Notice at any time from any patient registration area.
Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time
Karuk Community Health Clinic
64109 Hillside Rd, Happy Camp, CA 96039
Phone: 530-493-5257
Yreka Medical Clinic
1519 South Oregon Street, Yreka, CA 96097
Phone: 530-842-9200
Orleans Medical Clinic
259 Asip Road, Orleans, CA 95556
Phone: 530-627-3452
Happy Camp Dental
64100 Hillside Rd, Happy Camp, CA 96039
Phone: 530-493-1650
Yreka Dental
1519 South Oregon Street, Yreka, CA 96097
Phone: 530-841-3148