Factors Associated with Missed Appointments of Patients in a Cleft Lip and Palate Clinic

This is a report of the utilization rate of patients in a cleft lip and palate clinic and to ascertain what factors are associated with missed appointments. We had a missed appointment rate of 13.4 percent which compares favorably with those rates reported in the literature. We found that the group of patients who missed all appointments were more highly educated and private payment patients. We also found that our longitudinal patients had a better record of keeping appointments than did other patients.