Feeling Upset

[shygirlk]

Hi

I had to cancel my appointment with the psychologist as I was not feeling well enough to go and the receptionist said I had to pay a late cancellation fee of $25.00, I called at lunch time and my appointment was at 6.30pm. I asked if there was another appointment I could take this week instead, and was given the option of an appointment on Wed except the receptionist said I still had to pay the late fee. As I am already paying about $120.00 for the consultation I think its unfair that I also have to pay the late fee as well. The receptionist then said she had my credit card on file and would just deduct the payment. As I was not in the mood to argue, I said ok and hung up. I received a call 10min later that my credit card would not go through as the date  had expired, and that I have to come in and pay the late fee and if I didn't then I would not be able to have another appointment until I did. I feel really upset about all of this and don't want to really want to go back though that would mean I would have to find another psychologist and start all over again from scratch. Not sure what to do, has anyone had any experience with this? 

[Kazzl]

Hi shygirlk - welcome to the forum and well done for posting here when you are obviously upset. You've had a rotten day by the sounds of it. Gee these visits are expensive aren't they!

I haven't had this type of experience but it doesn't sound to me like the person you're dealing with (receptionist) was very understanding - not good, especially given the nature of the business!

I'd suggest that you try very hard to put it out of your mind tonight, get some rest and some distance from the immediate problem, then maybe tomorrow ring again and ask to speak with your psych. Tell them you need to explain the situation, that you don't want to leave them and start again, but that this incident is making it very difficult for you. Surely they can come to some arrangement. Logic would suggest the pysch wouldn't want to lose you (it is their livelihood after all) nor want to get known as someone whose practice is difficult to deal with. There must be a way to resolve it that doesn't leave you distressed.

I hope others on here who have maybe had similar experiences can also offer some advice.

Take care tonight mate - post more if you want, or maybe try to distract yourself so it doesn't eat away at you. I hope you'll let us know how you get on.

Kaz

[pipsy]

Dear shygirl.  It does seem a bit unfair, if you rang to change the appointment time, you had to pay a fee.  My understanding was, as long as you rang to advise that you wanted to change/cancel, there would be no fee.  if you didn't ring to advise, yes they will charge.  I would have thought all the receptionist had to do was transfer the appointment from one time to a later time.  Maybe when you see your psychologist, you could ask about their policy regarding changing times with appointments.  Do they have any sort of notice in the waiting room advising this sort of thing?  I know my G.P has a notice regarding just not showing for an appointment.  If you don't show and don't ring, not only does he charge, but getting another appointment is quite difficult.  You could query with the receptionist, but I think it might be better to ask the psychologist.  Tell him/her it's really thrown you.  He/she's supposed to be looking after you, it's in his/her best interests to keep looking after you.  Also check with your bank re: credit card.  As Kaz said try not to let this worry you too much. 

Best of luck.

[blondguy]

Hey Shygirl

I understand your frustration and disappointment....

You called and gave the clinic fair notice...and well done letting them re-schedule your appointment to somebody else....You have done everything very well here...Nice1

Dont pay it....

The threat of not not being able to have another appointment is very out of line...Hang in there and having the self-belief for posting here...you are strong

Paul

[pipsy]

Hey, shygirl.  Just a quick query here.  You mentioned you had a phone call saying your credit card had expired.  Who phoned you with that piece of news?  I would perhaps ring the receptionist and ask her what the expiry date was (if she was the one who rang).  If it was the bank, is it possible you've somehow overlooked the expiry date.  I would've thought the date would've been on the card anyway.  Whether you have to pay for the card I can't answer, but if it is expired, find out the procedure to get another one.  You definitely should not have to pay a late fee, considering all you wanted was to change the appointment time. 

Best wishes.