Table 4 Cost-comparisons between both types of reminders based on current telecommunication costs in Switzerland (in Euros)

COST

Telecommunication cost

(0.07 €/text-message)

3281 appointments

230.-

(0.08 €/phone call)

2626 appointments*

210.-

Administrative work to make manual phone calls during 6 months (30%) (€)

8’700.-

Total costs (€)

230.-

8910.-

BENEFITS

Nr of additional appointments attended compared to the 14% rate of missed appointments before the intervention (Fees =80(€) per consultation)

84 for text message

6’720.-

122 for telephone

9’760.-

Net benefits (€)

6490.-

850.-