Do Dr.'s offices have a legal right to charge appointment rescheduling fees in CA?

Question

I was charged a rescheduling fee of $50.00 for cancelling an appointment with a Dr. for a procedure due to my negligence to prep for the procedure i.e. fasting, etc. I signed no documents agreeing to pay any cancellation fees nor did the nurses inform me that I would be charged a fee if I failed to give adequate notice of cancellation or rescheduling. However, in my prep paperwork, there is a statement regarding these fees and the medical center's cancellation policy. So, I just want to know if this Dr.'s office has a legal right to charge these fees and if I dispute the fees can they send it to collections?

So, I have a had a few answers but none have really answered my question. Do Dr.'s offices in CA have a legal right to charge cancellation fees? "Legal right" being the key phrase. If they do, then by what authority, California Law or otherwise, do they have the right to do this? The fact that it was my "fault", as one respondee put it, is irrelevant.

Answer 1

yes they do,it is your responsibility to call at list 1 day in advance,the reason is that they loose an appointment they loose(money).it makes sense if you look at it from their point of view.....you would do the same!!nice day :-)

Answer 2

As long as I can charge them for the hours I sit and wait even though I supposedly had an appointment at a specific time. But seriously they have no legal right to charge for services which are NOT provided, only those that are. Unless you are stupid enough to sign some sort of contract that authorizes such a thing, they have no legal ground to stand on.

Answer 3

Generally if you don't cancel an appointment 24 hours in advance, they can charge you for the appointment.

Answer 4

They sure can - and as you can tell they will. You said it yourself that it was your fault.

Answer 5

They can and they will!