Remind the day before, not the week before
A reminder a week out gets forgotten. One the previous evening lands when the patient can still rearrange their day, and it is early enough for you to fill the slot if they cannot come.
Make rescheduling easier than not turning up
Most no-shows are not defiance. Something came up and the patient did not know how to tell you, or felt awkward.
A reminder that says reply to move this appointment converts a silent no-show into a rebooked one.
Confirm what they need to bring
Patients who arrive without a report or a previous prescription often have to be sent away, which turns into a wasted slot and a bad experience.
Track the pattern, not just the day
Look at which slots, which days and which treatment types no-show most. The answer is often specific: first slot after lunch, or the third visit in a package.
In short. Remind the evening before, make rescheduling easy, and say what to bring. Deposits are a blunt instrument for a timing problem.