Missed doctor’s appointments can result in a “no-show” fee of up to $100 or more, leaving many patients surprised by unexpected charges when they fail to cancel in advance. Experts like George Loewenstein believe these fees are necessary to discourage patients from taking up valuable appointment slots that others could use. Carolyn McClanahan supports these fees as fair, emphasizing that missed appointments cost practices money and prevent other patients from receiving care.
However, Caitlin Donovan from the National Patient Advocate Foundation cautions against making fees a profit center, suggesting that medical offices should focus on implementing reminders and improving communication with patients instead. She shares a creative solution implemented by a medical group in Camden, New Jersey, where a ride share service was offered to patients who were struggling with transportation issues, resulting in increased attendance levels.
Patients are advised to inquire about a doctor’s policy on missed appointments and late cancellations before scheduling an appointment, and to ask if they can reschedule or waive the fee if necessary. Ultimately, the decision to charge a no-show fee is at the discretion of the medical office, and patients should push back if they feel the charge is unfair or unaffordable. In terms of credit impact, medical debts under $500 are typically not reported to credit bureaus, so a no-show fee is unlikely to harm credit.
In cases where patients are wrongfully charged a no-show fee, like in the instance of Janna, who unsuccessfully attempted to cancel her appointment, speaking up can result in the fee being waived. By questioning the charge and seeking resolution with the office directly, patients like Janna were able to have the fee removed without damaging their credit. This highlights the importance of patient advocacy and communication in addressing the issue of missed appointments and associated fees in the healthcare system.
