chiquitafl
Junior Member
What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Florida
I had to schedule an appointment for a test to be done at a doctor's office. I called to schedule & they said I had to pay the $100 for the service in advance, which I thought was odd. I gave them my credit card number & it was charged that day (they didn't put a hold on it & let the charge go through on the day of service or anything). So, I've paid for a service I haven't received.
On the day of my appointment, my mother ended up in the hospital. I called and apologized up & down & explained this was completely out of my hands, and that I had to reschedule. They tried to tell me I would lose the $100, and have to pay ANOTHER $100 to reschedule! I argued with them & asked them to be reasonable, and they told me if I brought in something proving my mom was in the hospital, they'd not charge the second $100.
First off, can they even do this, regardless of whatever the patient's reasoning is? Obviously, since they made the exception for me, it's within their power to not be douchebags.
Secondly, how can they charge for a service never rendered? I have no contract with them. They never explained anything about a cancellation policy, nor did they indicate when I set the appointment that I could lose that $100 in any way. This seems very, very shady to me, and I would like to know what the legalities are with regard to this.
I appreciate any help & am glad to answer any further questions. Thank you.
I had to schedule an appointment for a test to be done at a doctor's office. I called to schedule & they said I had to pay the $100 for the service in advance, which I thought was odd. I gave them my credit card number & it was charged that day (they didn't put a hold on it & let the charge go through on the day of service or anything). So, I've paid for a service I haven't received.
On the day of my appointment, my mother ended up in the hospital. I called and apologized up & down & explained this was completely out of my hands, and that I had to reschedule. They tried to tell me I would lose the $100, and have to pay ANOTHER $100 to reschedule! I argued with them & asked them to be reasonable, and they told me if I brought in something proving my mom was in the hospital, they'd not charge the second $100.
First off, can they even do this, regardless of whatever the patient's reasoning is? Obviously, since they made the exception for me, it's within their power to not be douchebags.
Secondly, how can they charge for a service never rendered? I have no contract with them. They never explained anything about a cancellation policy, nor did they indicate when I set the appointment that I could lose that $100 in any way. This seems very, very shady to me, and I would like to know what the legalities are with regard to this.
I appreciate any help & am glad to answer any further questions. Thank you.