CHSU Discovery

Abstract

Current literature on behavioral health appointments in rural areas has found several demographic factors correlated to appointment attendance. However, there is a gap in the research specifically pertaining to behavioral health appointments in the Central Valley beginning after the 2020 COVID-19 timeframe. We aim to understand the demographic factors that impact patient attendance for behavioral health visits at the UHC-Parlier clinic, and how identifying these demographics can aid the clinic in improving appointment attendance. De-identified data regarding 7204 patients over the age of 18 from May 2023 through May 2024 was obtained directly from the UHC-Parlier clinic via secure Excel document with monitored access. The data included appointment outcomes, specialty of provider, insurance type, city of residence, and date of appointment. Data was analyzed using power analysis and chi squared tests. From this data, we were able to conclude that there are statistically significant correlations between cancelling behavioral health appointments and distance from to clinic, insurance type, and provider speciality. Variations in appointment cancellations were also observed throughout the calendar year. By further researching these groups and developing processes that reduce barriers to care, attendance of behavioral health appointments may improve. Identifying these barriers is the first step in improving access to care for patients who need behavioral health appointments at the UHC-Parlier clinic.