Patients seen at the DCHD may be advised to follow up after their initial appointment or physicals for many reasons including lab work, continuation of care, monitoring, etc. These appointments are vital to monitor the patient's health and are scheduled within various timeframes based upon acuity. The DCHD has seen roughly 25% of patients not follow up on their appointments in 2023, which could be detrimental to patient outcomes. The health department's scheduling staff attempt appointment confirmation contact, however several barriers including access to a telephone and cell service in rural areas could contribute to these numbers.

What's hurting:

• Access to care may be limited (transportation, work hours, etc.)
• Lack of awareness of importance of attending follow up visits
• Lack of assessment of barriers by staff

What's helping:

• Confirmation of schedule by staff

Duplin County Health Department

Goshen Medical Center

ECU Healthcare system

Duplin DSS

Duplin County Health Coalition

Duplin County Transportation Services

• Patients awareness of importance of follow up visits in relations to health outcomes
• Confirmation of appointment beforehand-appointment reminders 
• Assessment of potential barriers to appointment attendance

• Utilize mobile medical unit to ensure patients who have barriers have access to care
• Educate patient on the importance of follow up care at the initial visit; discuss poor health outcomes that may come from lower appointment adherence
• Assess any barriers while patient is at initial visit and offer resources when appropriate to help ensure appointment adherence in the future
• Increase utilization of appointment reminder system through EHR system
• Utilize staff to call and confirm appointments with patients when staffing adequate