Changing Indian Doctor Appointments for Bangladeshi Patients: A Simple Guide

Handling medical appointment cancellations efficiently is vital, especially for Bangladeshi patients traveling to India for treatment. Cancellations can disrupt your treatment schedule, cause unnecessary stress, and affect your overall health plan. 

Effective communication with your healthcare provider is key to managing cancellations. Promptly informing them of any changes can help reschedule appointments with minimal disruption. This guide will provide you with practical steps to manage cancellations, best practices to reduce the likelihood of canceling appointments, and insights into the benefits of telehealth. 

‍Handling Physical Appointment Changes Before Travelling

Before you travel for a physical appointment, it is essential to notify Bangla Health Connect (BHC) as soon as possible. If you need to change your appointment, BHC will assist you with the following:

• Flight Ticket: Provide your new flight ticket to help reschedule your appointment.
• Appointment Change: BHC will coordinate with the relevant team at the hospital to adjust your appointment.
• Airport Pickup: BHC will ensure any airport pickup arrangements are updated accordingly.
• Hotel Bookings: If necessary, BHC will coordinate with your hotel or guesthouse to modify your accommodation plans.

For any inquiries related to doctor appointments at Apollo Hospitals in India, feel free to contact BHC through WhatsApp at +880 132 967 2100. Our team is ready to assist you with all your appointment-related needs and ensure a smooth experience.

Managing Appointment Changes After Reaching the Hospital

If you need to change your appointment after arriving at the hospital or city:

• Contact the International Patients Desk: They will assist you with any necessary changes.
• Speak with the Doctor’s Secretary: The secretary can help you find alternative appointment slots with your doctor. 

Please be aware that doctors are often very busy, so it’s crucial to arrive on time, preferably earlier than scheduled. Be prepared for potential extended wait times depending on how many patients are ahead of you.

Reasons for Appointment Cancellations by Patient

Steps to Handle Appointment Cancellations by Patient

Communicate Early

• Contact the hospital or clinic as soon as you know you need to cancel. Early communication helps the hospital adjust their schedules and may provide opportunities for other patients to fill the slot.
• Clearly explain the reason for the cancellation. This can help the staff understand your situation and offer appropriate alternatives.

Reschedule the Appointment

• Offer alternative dates that work for you. Providing multiple options increases the likelihood of finding a convenient time.
• Contact your Health Care Facilitator/Authorized representative of the hospital to assist you in rescheduling appointments.
• Utilize online booking tools provided by the hospital to reschedule. This can be faster and more efficient than calling.

Best Practices for Reducing Cancellations

• Use SMS and email reminders to keep track of upcoming appointments. These reminders can significantly reduce the likelihood of forgetting appointments.
• Schedule these reminders a few days before the appointment to reduce forgetfulness. 
• Opt for same-day or next-day appointments if available. This can be particularly useful if your schedule is unpredictable.
• Choose evening or weekend slots if they fit your schedule better. Flexible hours can accommodate various commitments and reduce the need for cancellations.