Should patients be charged for missing hospital appointments?
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Should patients be charged for missing hospital appointments?
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This question comes from comments made by Nick Clegg's (UK's Deputy Prime Minister) advisor Norman Lamb who said “We should consider introducing a charge for missed appointments." This is
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Forums » Off duty » News & media » Should patients be charged for missing hospital appointments?
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Should patients be charged for missing hospital appointments?
posted at 16/1/2012 12:07 PM GMT
on bmj.com
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Posts: 623
First: 7/4/2011 Last: 16/5/2012 |
This question comes from comments made by Nick Clegg's (UK's Deputy Prime Minister) advisor Norman Lamb who said “We should consider introducing a charge for missed appointments." This is apparently costing the NHS up to £800million each year, with 6.9m outpatients missing appointments in 2011, at a cost of £120 each. The news story says that research suggests that up to 30% of patients had forgotten about their appointments and other reasons for non attendance as that they either felt better by the time of the appointment or they were nervour about seeing a doctor. Would this save the NHS money? Would the threat of being charged put off some patients who really do need to be seen? Where do you stand? |
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Re: Should patients be charged for missing hospital appointments?
posted at 16/1/2012 1:35 PM GMT
on bmj.com
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Posts: 4
First: 6/1/2012 Last: 16/1/2012 |
Working in the private sector (Rheumatology) we've tried this one. It doesn't work really. It's almost impossible to collect and the administration costs associated with doing so means that you won't save money overall. The 'threat' of a charge is probably effective though for some patients but not for long (once they find out they aren't going to be charged!). On balance, the way to ensure pt attendance at appoinments is to clearly explain reasons for (follow up) appointment clearly to pt, send txt reminders and confirm ALL appointments in advance (by txt or phone). We also tend not to make apointments too far in advance. Patients requiring an appointment more than 3 months away are sent a 'recall' (via txt, email or letter) asking them to make an appointment. That leaves the ball in their court. I think that patient Web bookings is the way to go though. It allows patients choice of appt (within defined parameters), allows them to change or cancel their appt and engages them in the process.
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Re: Should patients be charged for missing hospital appointments?
posted at 16/1/2012 4:52 PM GMT
on bmj.com
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Posts: 620
First: 9/12/2011 Last: 14/5/2012 |
NO! Unless you want to be charged for missing an appointment as well. I once had an ENT Dr miss an appointment, and I brought him to small claims court for the hourly wage I missed by going to his appointment, and having the appointment resecheduled. I was paid, and he stopped his policy of charging patients. DuaneF |
Forums » Off duty » News & media » Should patients be charged for missing hospital appointments?
