Legal Question in Consumer Law in Washington

Re: Billed for missed Dentist Appointment

Yes, they can send you to collections - but you can dispute the charge on your credit report. The Federal Fair Debt Collections Act provides some pretty nice penalties for inaccurate credit reporting.

The answer will be found on the agreement or contract you signed with the Dentist's office when you first became a patient. IF it spells out that you will be charged for missed appointments, and under what conditions, then very likely a court will enforce that.

IF there is no such agreement, then probably not. The distance you live from the dentist is irrelevant.

So, go take a look at that agreement and see what it says. If you signed no agreement, write the office and ask for a copy of their policy on missed appointments.

That will likely answer your question. Good luck.