To Fee Or Not To Fee

No-Shows Are Expensive

If your dental practice has one no-show per day, you may be losing up to $70k/year in lost productivity. Many dental offices consider charging no-show or cancellation fees because of this common issue. However, there may be a better option…

Benefits of Fees

● Recover a portion of your lost income
● Strengthens the importance of the services you provide and the time you invest
● Motivates patients to communicate any changes in their schedule in a timely manner

Drawbacks of Fees

● Fees may discourage patients from returning
● Fees may create tension between staff and patients
● Fees lengthen the time to collect payments
● Some insurance plans may not cover missed appointment fees
● Fees do not address the underlying reasons behind patient no-shows

A Better Alternative To Fees

Implementing a fee won't recoup the revenue lost due to no-shows. Instead, consider implementing new software and preventative measures to create a sense of urgency and stay top of mind.

Automated Reminders Reduce No-Shows

While voicemails and callback requests are easy to overlook, automated reminders sent via SMS and email can help your team connect with patients more efficiently. Click the link below for more tips on reducing no-shows.

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