Fee for missed appointments: Many practices would bill, survey shows

Why This Topic Matters

Missed-appointment fees can affect revenue, patient relations, and compliance practices. The article helps readers understand the broad policy issues and operational concerns involved in setting and enforcing a no-show fee policy.

Article Sections

1. Survey findings and current practice patterns

   Summarizes reported practice approaches to missed-appointment fees and the range of responses from survey participants. It also introduces the broader question of billing Medicare patients for no-shows.

2. CMS policy background

   Reviews the Medicare policy context discussed in the article and the agency communication referenced by the source. This section focuses on the general billing framework for missed appointments.

3. Creating a missed-appointment policy

   Discusses broad considerations involved in developing an office policy for no-show charges, including business, patient-care, and operational concerns.

4. Be compassionate

   Covers patient-handling concerns, including how practices may balance enforcement with flexibility and fairness when addressing missed appointments.

5. Double-booking

   Addresses scheduling efficiency and the general idea of using double-booking as part of appointment management.