917,000 Missed Medical Appointments in Peru: The Hidden Cost Draining Private Clinics

Short answer: There is no single cost for a private clinic in Peru. Estimate monthly lost contribution margin by multiplying missed appointments whose slots remained empty by expected net revenue per visit minus avoided costs, in soles and by specialty. EsSalud figures cannot establish your clinic’s loss. Medical scheduling software helps manage and confirm appointments.

Over 917,000 missed appointments between January and July 2025: the impact of no-shows at EsSalud

Between January and July 2025, EsSalud reported over 917,000 scheduled appointments lost to no-shows or late cancellation. This figure applies to that period and institution; it is not an annual total and does not establish how many appointments could have been recovered. Source: EsSalud official statement (Spanish).

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Frequently asked questions

How can lost margin by specialty be estimated in soles?

For each specialty, calculate: lost contribution margin = missed appointments with unfilled slots × (expected net revenue per visit − costs avoided because of nonattendance). Use amounts in soles, adjusted for discounts and payment terms. Subtract any retained no-show payments. Add the specialty totals, keeping this margin estimate separate from gross revenue that was not generated.

Which costs remain when a patient does not attend?

Rent, fixed salaries, software licenses, and maintenance contracts may remain payable. Physician fees depend on the agreement: fixed compensation may continue, while payment per completed visit may be avoided. Review each expense rather than assuming all costs behave alike. Do not add fixed costs again to lost contribution margin, as this can double-count the estimated impact.

How should EsSalud figures be interpreted without extrapolation?

EsSalud reported over 917,000 scheduled appointments lost between January and July 2025 because of no-shows or late cancellations. This figure applies only to that institution and period. It is not an annual total, a no-show rate, or an estimate for private clinics. It also does not establish recoverable appointments; use it as context, not as a financial calculation input.

How can conservative monthly loss scenarios be built?

Start with your own monthly records by specialty, separating no-shows, late cancellations, and slots filled by another patient. Build scenarios using different empty-slot volumes and contribution margins supported by internal data. For the conservative scenario, use lower observed values and subtract retained payments. Document assumptions and exclude potential revenue from future procedures that have not been confirmed.