So,I went to the Doctor today for a strep test. I noticed they had the usual waiting room sign "all cancellations require 6 hours notice or they will be charged $25". Our policy is 8 hours and $30. It's in the new patient paperwork.

Here is where it gets tricky. We want to maintain a great relationship but we don't pay the overhead without a patient on the table, especially if it was a 60-75 minute massage, chiropractic and therapy. If the patient reschedules the same day or later that week, no problem. We even let them know we'll let one slide and document it in their chart. But what often happens is they end up one treatment short on the week or spill into next week or even worse,the infamous kiss of death "I"ll call to schedule". Bye Bye!

We are hired by patients to get them better. We physically and mentally prepare for each and every appointment. If results don't happen fast enough they wonder why. We also feel like we're bounty hunters trying to catch these patients to get them rescheduled and are calling/bugging them 2, 3 or more times.

Finally, how about the patients that can't get their treatment and massage times because these patients have filled 2 or 3 time slots over the week with their reschedules and treatment.

So, I ask. Tough luck? Standard as part of the business or charge them? What would you do if it was your business and your time?