Legal Question in Health Care Law in Florida

Doctors Bill

I�m not sure if I selected the right area of law, but I have a farley simple question. I recently was looking for a new dentist, I was having some problems and I needed to get in right away. I called around and made two appts. With two different Dr., I chose the one that got me in the fastest, The other day I got in the mail a bill for $50.00 for a missed appt. from the Dr. that I did not go to. I did not call and cancel. I was never told about a cancellation fee. I never went to the office or filled out any paper work, I am not a patient. All they asked me for on the phone was my name, phone number and address.

Am I responsible for this bill. I want to know if I can dispute it or if I need to pay it


Asked on 11/08/07, 9:40 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Alan Wagner Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore P.A.

Re: Doctors Bill

You may not technically be responsible, but there might be an implicit oral contract there. He probably would not sue you over $50, but he might send it to collections. On a bigger issue -- why would you make an appointment and not call to cancel it when you selected another doctor. The dentist held time open for you. Why shouldn't you pay him. It is not like an airline. He was a professional that agreed to treat you and reserved a spot for you. I think that you in fairness owe him something. I don't know what you do for a living, but put yourself in the dentist's position. Why shouldn't you pay him for having reserved a position for you, at your request, when you did not even have the courtesy of calling to cancel so he could fill the appointment with someone that did want to see him. As a further aside -- your failure to cancel may have prevented someone who -- lkike you -- really needed to see the guy from getting in to see him. Enough said -- I guess you can tell how I feel about this. lol

Read more
Answered on 11/08/07, 9:59 am
Alan Wagner Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore P.A.

Re: Doctors Bill

You may not technically be responsible, but there might be an implicit oral contract there. He probably would not sue you over $50, but he might send it to collections. On a bigger issue -- why would you make an appointment and not call to cancel it when you selected another doctor. The dentist held time open for you. Why shouldn't you pay him. It is not like an airline. He was a professional that agreed to treat you and reserved a spot for you. I think that you in fairness owe him something. I don't know what you do for a living, but put yourself in the dentist's position. Why shouldn't you pay him for having reserved a position for you, at your request, when you did not even have the courtesy of calling to cancel so he could fill the appointment with someone that did want to see him. As a further aside -- your failure to cancel may have prevented someone who -- lkike you -- really needed to see the guy from getting in to see him. Enough said -- I guess you can tell how I feel about this. lol

Read more
Answered on 11/08/07, 9:59 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Health Care Law questions and answers in Florida