Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Massachusetts

Missed Appointment

I had an appointment sheduled with a therapist for some stress I have been having. It would have been my first visit as a new patient. I was hospitalized the night before the appointment and was kept overnight for a kidney infection which in turn caused me to miss the appointment.They are now telling me I have to pay 125 dollars for the missed appointment,insurance wont cover it.Apparently they have a 48 hour cancelation policy.When I made the appoinment I was never told about this policy.And I would never no-show for an appt without calling,unless of course I am very sick and in the hospital as I was! Do I legally have to pay this? I completely understand that dr.sets aside time for patients,but I am a patient of one of the MD's in the practice and have never once missed an appointment.Just looking for some advice.


Asked on 6/18/09, 11:39 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
JOHN TATOIAN LAW OFFICE OF JOHN A. TATOIAN ESQ.*Licensed Only in Massachusetts

Re: Missed Appointment

Do you really want to be treated by a therapist who's interest seems to be with the $125 rather than your medical condition?

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Answered on 7/14/09, 4:53 pm
Christopher Vaughn-Martel Charles River Law Partners, LLC

Re: Missed Appointment

My advice would be to either:

(a) refuse to pay it. if you were not notified of their cancellation policy, they you did not agree to abide by it. this may result in a small claims action being filed against you, which you may stand a good chance of winning.

or

(b) make an offer to pay 1/2 of it in an effort to avoid confrontation and having to appear at a small claims trial when they sue you.

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Answered on 6/18/09, 12:26 pm


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