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fee for no-show up at the doctor's
I recently came up with an unpleasant surprise, when I received a letter, to pay 15 euros for no show up at the doctor. I had called earlier the same day to cancel my rdv; when called again to remind them of the incident, I got the usual reply I get from all kind of Belgian administration "Mais... c'est comme Ça Madame"... My question is whether this fee has a legal base at all. And what are my rights "against" the office of the Doctor who says I have to pay, issues an invoice which I "must" respect, without listening to anything... Thanks for sharing your experience/knowledge/advice... Aleida
I thought you had to give more notice than earlier in the same day though....
Whether it has any legal basis will depend on whether the doctor has any notice on display and what it says.
Both my doctor and optician have notices asking for at least 24 hours notice of cancellation of an appointment and I suspect that this is standard.
Whether or not you pay up is up to you - is your doctor likely to take legal action for €15.00? Are you happy with this doctor or are you happy to take your business elsewhere?
It's quite normal for a professional to charge you if you don't turn up, as you've wasted their time.
Yet it's fine for them to over book and make you wait a very long time. Your "wasted" appointment meant likely meant others got in nearer to their appointment or the doctor got to do some admin.
Pay up, and be polite! The doctor's office probably "googled" your name and phone number and found your address. Not difficult. I just tried it!
What did you expect the doctor to do at short notice? They may have turned away a more urgent case because you didn't let them know much before hand. If you were running a business and charging each person you met would you not be annoyed if people failed to come at short notice?
I'd just pay up and next time if you need to reschedule do it sooner.
Doctors over book to allow for a no show. We are always waiting longer than we should because of this. Hey, we should charge them every time we wait an hour beyond our appointment?
This is a bit short notice and with all the laws changing it might be in your best interests that you pay the bill.
Can you get a reimbursement from your insurance on it just like you would for a proper visit to your doctor? Normally, there's no reason why you shouldn't. The doctor shouldn't be pocketing the money in the black. Pay and ask for a receipt!
