10 pound charge at the dentist and no appointment

[Templehead]

My gf recently went to the dentist. ON her way as we live in a rural area she was stuck behind a tractor and a herd of sheep being moved from one field to another. She rang the dentist and said she may be late, the lady said ok-see you in a bit. She was 5 minutes late for the appointment. The lady on the counter said sorry you re too late and this will cost you a 10 pound charge as you re too late for the appointment. Nor did she have the appointment either as she was deemed "too late"

 

fleeced!

 

So is this a penalty charge then and does the same the rules apply as the banks?

 

I beleive this is the charging policy at the practice.

[Spiceskull]

People like doctors and dentists do have an option to charge a 'cancellation fee' if the appointment isn't cancelled within a reasonable time - usually 24-hours notice. The general idea is that appointments cancelled on a whim cost the NHS millions, if not billions, a year. The penalty is intended to discourage this sort of frippery from time-wasters.

 

However, cancellation at short notice is not the same as being late. As your GF called in to say that she would be five minutes late, I don't think the practice can realistically uphold this charge, especially as the appointment 'window' would still have been open when she turned up.

 

I believe you have a good argument for a refund, and also a re-scheduled account. However, if the practice refers you to the local health trust, it is likely your complaint will be filed in the bin...

 

Give it a go, ask nicely, and you never know, you might meet a nice and helpful receptionist.

[hunkydory]

Hi! My hubby is in a similar situation, but the other way round. He turned up at his appointment only to be told the practice had double booked the appointment & so he would have to come back later in the month. There is a notice on the wall in the clinic and on the appointment cards stating that a cancellation fee may be charged if an appointment is broken or cancelled without 24 hours notice. We have written to the practice pointing out that they have indeed broken this clause and we therefore expect the £35 cancellation fee to be paid to us. Our letter has been acknowledged and we are now awaiting a full response. Dentists are quick to charge as in your gf's case so its time the boot was on the other foot!

[trundlecat]

Templehead - That's terrible, I'd definitely write to the dentist & also your local paper.

 

hunkydory - Big lol! Love it!

[Movingon]

The good ol' Principle of Mutuality/Reciprocity...

[hunkydory]

Templehead - definately worth complaining, nicely of course.

Received letter today from dentist stating they would be making a £10 goodwill reduction off my husband's treatment because of their error, although this wasn't an admission of guilt.

£10 may not be much but if you don't ask you don't get, as my dear Gran used to say and besides, they won't make the same mistake with us in future!

[Templehead]

This topic was closed on 10 March 2019.

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