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

frugal_mike

wealdroam wrote: »

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

It's been a strange night...

Ruth_Fisher

Thanks everyone, Just wanted to see where I stand with it. Planning on ringing them back tomorrow because I am not paying the fee.

McKneff It's NHS.

Worst thing is I was supposed to be having a root canal done today, they cancelled it and now I'm sat here with Toothache

Thanks again everyone for putting my mind at rest.

cannyscot_2

I had same situation with my daughter. I raked through everything and luckily found the card when I got home and called up and they cancelled the charge -I didn't actually take it in. I did get my appointment however and would have been very annoyed if I hadn't. I would offer to scan it for them- I would feel why should you go in.

Poppie68

wealdroam wrote: »

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

I think hollydays may of got into the Christmas spirit early.._party_

Toothsmith

Ruth_Fisher wrote: »

Thanks everyone, Just wanted to see where I stand with it. Planning on ringing them back tomorrow because I am not paying the fee.

McKneff It's NHS.

Worst thing is I was supposed to be having a root canal done today, they cancelled it and now I'm sat here with Toothache

Thanks again everyone for putting my mind at rest.

If it's NHS - then they are not allowed to charge a missed appt fee - certainly not in England or Wales, not certain about N.I. or Scotland.

I would also agree that if you have a card clearly saying 2pm (And not a card with the '1' scratched out or tippexed over - which I have seen!!! ) Then there is no way they should charge you a fee.

kathrynha

I would suggest photocopying the card before you let them see it, as they might "lose" it

AJXX

OP please let us know the outcome.

Fair enough they admitted it was their printer, but what should have then followed is an apology and 50 quid swiftly given back.

Not to still insist it was your fault, which is just bad customer service.

Crabman

If it's an NHS dentist, you should definitely contact the local NHS trust to make them aware.

You can be fairly sure you're not the first victim of this dentist. You could help other (more vulnerable) patients from being conned by this dentist in future by contacting the NHS to report them.

Zandoni

It certainly wasn't their printers fault, it must have been an error of the receptionist.

brook2jack

OP is in NI where they are allowed to charge for missed appointments , the same as Scotland. It's only England and Wales where NHS dentists are not allowed to charge for failed appointments.