Dentist charges for missing my appointment even though I didn't?

Ruth_Fisher

I'm not too sure if this is in the right place, but I had no idea where to put it.

A few weeks ago I went to the Dentist. After each visit if more treatment is needed they print out a card with the date and time of the next appointment, the next appointment was for today at 2pm.

Turned up today at 2pm to be told my appointment had been cancelled and I was being charged a fee of £50 for missing my appointment today as I should have been there at 12 not 2pm.

I got home and found my appointment card which clearly says today's date and a time of 2pm, so I called them up to be told that on their computer it says 12 not 2, and that their printer must have "made an error" and that I still have to pay for missing my appointment.

Just wondering where I stand with this? Surely I'm not expected to pay a fee for an error on their part?

McKneff

ha ha, not blummin likely, guard that card with your life.


Speak to the practice manager.

giraffe69

Their printer might have "made an error" but that is their problem not yours. Stand your ground. Good idea to speak to the practice manager as the flunky is just doing his or her "computer says no" routine

Pennywise

Make an appt with the practice manager, take in the card, get them to cancel your fine and make them pay for your wasted time and petrol.

Poppie68

What a load of codswallop....take the card in and politely inform them you have no intention of paying for someone else's mistake.

McKneff

Was this a private appointment.


If nhs I thought they weren't allowed to charge you for missed appointments and could only remove you from their list.


Of course I may be wrong x

agrinnall

Got to agree with Pennywise, they made you miss the appointment that they had given you, so by their rules they owe you £50.

hollydays

Go in - speak to your dentist between appointments-tell him you are not impressed..dumb receptionists..

dizzie

They can't charge you if it was their mistake. Just call again and ask to speak to the most senior person on duty. Give them the facts: that your card says 2pm (and that you are happy to show this to them the next time you are there.....I certainly wouldn't be making a special trip).

Tell him/her that you trust that the receptionist has made an error when she said you would have to pay the missed appointment fee since no practice could reasonably expect a patient to be penalised financially for a mistake that was the practice's own making.

I doubt you'll get any arguments from them....but in the rare case that you do, you could always kindly offer to voice your concerns about unethical/illegal charging practices to the Care Quality Commission.

hollydays

I just want to say that my private dentist has a receptionist and two dentists.. And no practice manager

wealdroam

hollydays wrote: »

I just want to say that my private dentist has a receptionist and two dentists..

I am sure the OP will be pleased to hear that.