I showed up at the "right" time on the wrong day.
I am a hairdresser, and I have no recourse of payment when people miss an appointment.
I just wonder if it is truly LEGAL, or just an intimidation. I know they can refuse to see me again, but make me pay for services I did not receive?
2007-10-09 00:55:06 · 14 answers · asked by Cub6265 6 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
The doctor has NO LEGAL CLAIM unless you signed a contract indicating that you would agree to his policy.
All charges come under "contract law." I doubt that you signed anything agreeing to this. However, keep in mind that he may no longer want to be your doctor if you don't pay the fee.
Was the policy posted anywhere? DID YOU ACTUALLY SEE AND READ THE POLICY? If you never happened to notice the policy, then you are NOT legally bound to it.
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In any case, the following web site points out the importance of actually notifying patients of the policy BEFORE trying to ever charge them. ---->
http://www.osma.org/i4a/pages/headlinedetails.cfm?id=542&archive=1
"If your office doesn't have a policy in place related to 'no show' patient or regarding charging patients for missed appointments, now is a good time to establish one. When developing a policy on this subject, keep the following points in mind:
* Create your policy and procedure establishing practice protocol in writing.
* Communicate the new policy to all patients by posting signs in high-traffic areas such as waiting rooms, check in and/or check out stations.
* When processing or updating patient information forms, provide a copy of the practice policy outlining no-show charges."
2007-10-09 01:17:38 · answer #1 · answered by Duminos 2 · 2⤊ 2⤋
I made an appointment over the phone never been there in thier office, so dont know if they have a posting stating, nor i signed anything agreeing to pay the such a fee. I WONT PAY!! as a matter of fact if it goes to the point of being credit reporting then i will definely advised to fight it, the doctors office has to provide proof to the credit agencies of some type of contract, within 30 day. if they dont submit they will removed it off you credit.
2014-08-21 16:42:43 · answer #2 · answered by Brenda 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A lot of doctor's offices will charge you for a missed appointment. Especially if this doctor has a lot of patients and limited time. Most offices now a days require a cancellation 24 hours in advance.
If I were you I would speak to the doctor directly and explain the situation. Maybe he/she will be understanding and dismiss the fee this time.
2007-10-09 08:04:21 · answer #3 · answered by mamabee 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
yes, that is determined by the doctors office if they want to do that or not, depending on how busy they are. if you are wasting their time (not that you were) by making an appointment you did not keep where they could have made money on that appointment that was missed... if theyre busy, some doctors offices choose to do this because so many people skipped out on appointments they could have made money with. lots of people did it intentionally, some just forgot the day, but either way, they lost money...
sorry, but its totally legal. they have to make money too.
2007-10-09 08:21:49 · answer #4 · answered by rhay ♥ 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If they state in their t/s that you will be billed for missed appointments, of course it's legal. Someone may not have gotten to see a doctor because they booked time for you that you didn't cancel. Much like in your job.
2007-10-09 07:59:06 · answer #5 · answered by wizjp 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
They are not charging you for services you did not receive, they are charging you for 'thier wasted time' waiting for you to show up to get the services you wanted and made an appointment for.
Personal responsibility 'to be at right place, right time right day'.
2007-10-09 08:03:14 · answer #6 · answered by Destrier 4 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Sadly, yes.
Only recourse is to find out the policies of your insurance carrier which may or may not allow them 50% of their "prescribed" fee for an alleged missed office visit.
2007-10-09 09:30:40 · answer #7 · answered by bottleblondemama 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You aren't paying for services you didn't recieve, you are paying for the doctor's time, which was reserved at your request.
Doctors can do that. Legally, so can you, even though people in your profession generally don't. Lawyers sometimes do this, but usually only if they already have a retainer. Utility companies do it.
It's not only legal, it's fair. Time is what professionals sell. You used his time, even if you didn't show up.
2007-10-09 08:20:46 · answer #8 · answered by open4one 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
My dentist bills patients for missed appointments. I paid a $35 charge for missing one last year.
2007-10-09 07:59:29 · answer #9 · answered by Yak Rider 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
if that is their policy; they allotted the time for you and therefore couldn't take another patient; respect for someone's time other than your own; if you called to cancel , different; but if you were in his shoes and people did this over and over and you turned others away, you would charge as well
2007-10-09 08:02:35 · answer #10 · answered by sml 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋