Can doctor's offices legally charge you for missing an appointment?

I can see there point of a "no call no show" because they loose a patient that would have paid, but how can they charge you when they did not provide any service?

Yup. Most doctors notify you of this up front (in papers you sign). You appear to understand the rationale - they have a finite amount of time and when you miss without giving them opportunity to schedule another patient (24 hours minimum) you just took money out of their (and all their employees)pocket. I'm not a doc but I don't really blame them. And trust me I've been hit with many of these and still don't blame them - it's common courtesy.

Legally speaking, if your physician tells you the ground rules up front (I don't know of any in my personal experience who don't) and you accept them (you signed the papers right?), then you have in effect entered into a legal contract that you must abide by.

In many cases doctors won't charge for this though - on the notion they may lose patients - you just get the polite medical version of a verbal dressing-down next time you see them. if they do bill for this and you refuse to pay, the doctor probably won't take you to court (or report it on your credit if that's a concern) but he or she probably would not continue to see you, either.

Trust me I've missed many, many appointments - I have a crazy work schedule and no control over my time - but the only people who ever got aggressive with me (legally and creditwise) over an unpaid bill were hospitals and well organized groups of doctors (i.e. there's ten or so doctors that work under one incorporated entity and pool administrative overhead and legal expenses).

I usually pay them. Sucks I know but you did miss the appointment :(

I don't think they can do that. NOoooooooooooooooooooooo

you need to call 24 hours in advance if you decide not to show. Read to paperwork you signed when you became a patient. How would would you like it if someone did that to you.

yes.

Because the no-show patient used his "office time,"and there was no income made,and couldn't fill that space with someone else,he also could have used that time for his hospital patients.Medical professionals deserve the common courtesies afforded to other professionals,they have to pay for their offices,equipment,medicine stock,and their nurses and clerks,just like anyone else.Take care. SW RNP

T O T A L L Y L E G A L

You have an obligation to show up, and if you don't give 24 hours notice then that time slot is wasted. The doctors time is valuable!

They could have given that appointment to someone else that needed to get in IF you had called and cancelled within 24 hours. They can charge you, without a doubt.

It motivates people to keep appointments or pay the penalty. Life is like that. Next time don't flake out. Be responsible. And if you don't pay they'll turn you over to a collection agency, which is also totally legal.

Pay up!

Yes, when you made the appointment you bought that space of time, most expect a 24 hour call in cancel. The service was there for you,you just failed to avail yourself for it.

i've heard they can but i dont know how true it is.

At Kaiser, they don't charge you if you call en route to tell them you will be late.