FOLIO 13 · Benchmarks
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Updated quarterly · Every rate cited

No-show rate benchmarks 2026.

Every cited no-show rate by industry, segment, and primary source. Updated quarterly.

Green: below 15% · excellentAmber: 15 to 25% · acceptableRed: above 25% · high
IndustrySegmentRate rangeAvgSourceYear
HealthcarePrimary Care19%19%MGMA 20242024
HealthcareInternal Medicine18 to 23%21%MGMA 20242024
HealthcarePediatrics14 to 20%17%MGMA 20242024
HealthcareOB/GYN15 to 22%18%MGMA 20242024
HealthcareCardiology9 to 14%11%MGMA 20242024
HealthcareDermatology9 to 15%12%MGMA 20242024
HealthcareOrthopedics8 to 13%10%MGMA 20242024
HealthcareSurgery6 to 11%8%MGMA 20242024
HealthcareOverall average20 to 26%23%JAMA 20222022
Behavioral HealthPTSD40 to 50%45%Fortney & Pyne 20132013
Behavioral HealthSubstance Use Disorder45 to 55%50%Gonzalez-Prendes 20122012
Behavioral HealthMajor Depression30 to 40%35%Mitchell & Selmes 20072007
Behavioral HealthAnxiety Disorders25 to 35%30%Kruse et al 20182018
Behavioral HealthGeneral Outpatient Psych28 to 35%31%Kruse et al 20182018
DentalGeneral Dentistry15 to 25%20%JADA 20232023
DentalHygiene Recall20 to 28%24%JADA 20232023
DentalCosmetic10 to 15%12%JADA 20232023
DentalOrthodontics18 to 22%20%JADA 20232023
RestaurantsFine Dining10 to 15%12%OpenTable 20232023
RestaurantsCasual Dining22 to 30%26%OpenTable 20232023
RestaurantsOverall average18 to 22%20%OpenTable 20232023
SalonsAll salon types25 to 35%30%Phorest 20232023
SalonsIndependent stylists35 to 45%38%Phorest 20232023
SalonsMedical Spa8 to 15%11%Phorest 20232023
FitnessPersonal Training18 to 28%22%Mindbody 20232023
FitnessBoutique Class22 to 30%25%Mindbody 20232023
FOLIO 14 · Interpretation

How to interpret benchmarks

Context matters

Your no-show rate reflects your patient panel demographics, scheduling lead time, and community transportation access. Urban federally qualified health centers legitimately see higher rates than suburban concierge practices.

Use as directional

Benchmarks tell you how you compare to peers, not whether your rate is clinically appropriate. A behavioral health practice at 35% is not necessarily failing, it may reflect a high-acuity patient panel.

Track over time

The most useful benchmark is your own rate over time. A practice reducing from 28% to 20% over two years has improved substantially, regardless of where 20% sits in the segment benchmark.

Rate calculatorHealthcareBehavioral healthDentalFull citations

Margin notes

What is the average no-show rate?+
The average no-show rate varies significantly by industry. Healthcare: 23% overall (JAMA 2022 meta-analysis). Behavioral health: 30-40% (highest of any segment). Dental: 15-25%. Restaurants: 20% (OpenTable 2023). Salons: 30% (Phorest 2023). Fitness: 25% (Mindbody 2023). Primary care is 19%, surgical specialties are 8-12%.
Are no-show rates higher in 2026 than before COVID?+
No, overall no-show rates are slightly lower post-pandemic due to: telehealth adoption in behavioral health (25% reduction for those segments), deposit culture normalization in restaurants and salons, and widespread adoption of SMS reminder programs. However, behavioral health continues to see the highest rates as demand outpaces provider supply.

Register entries verified 2026-04-28