Non -canceled doctor's appointments: Now there is an expensive penalty fee!

Non -canceled doctor's appointments: Now there is an expensive penalty fee!

The number of doctor's appointments that are not perceived has increased significantly in recent years, which is increasingly burdening the health system. Patients often have to wait a long time for appointments, while other appointments that have already been agreed simply fail. This phenomenon has meanwhile also attracted the attention of the Medical Association in Lower Austria, which recommends the introduction of default fees to sensitize patients to their loyalty to the deadline. According to Kosmo , the dermatologist and specialist groupwoman Krista ainedter-Samide emphasizes the scarcity of the time from health doctors: lack of cancellation for other patients.

The problem is also taken up by Maria Hochstoger, specialist and board member, which points out that health insurance services are not available indefinitely. In the case of not perceived and not in good time, the recommendation of a default fee will be loud. If a patient negates these payments, this can result in dunning procedures and judicial demands. The fact that appointments for specialists are often awarded for weeks or even months in advance speaks for the urgency of the matter.

regulations for failure fees

according to Anwalt.de can be asserted as a claim for damages, but not as a medical performance. Affected specialist groups include not only the general practitioners, but also dentists, since no transfers are necessary for them. In order to avoid misunderstandings, a written agreement should clearly regulate the exclusive appointment reservation and provide transparent information on the amount of the failure fee.

A judgment of the Federal Court of Justice (BGH) of May 12, 2022 (Az.: III ZR 78/21) has strengthened the legal basis for calculating failure fees. These may only be collected under certain conditions: it must be an order practice, and the proof of damage is essential. This increases the importance of a clear documentative presentation and the clarification of the reserved time for the patient. The dgpar emphasizes that it is important to inform the patient about the consequences of a non -appearance.

The view of the patient

Michael Prunbauer, patient lawyer, shows understanding for the demands of the medical profession. He appeals to the doctors not to charge the full fee and use free appointments for other patients. At the same time, he and other experts have to underline that there can also be good reasons for short -term cancellations, for example health problems.

Overall, there is agreement that the introduction of failure fees could be an effective measure in order to counteract unreliable appointments. Default fees are not only a question of financial compensation, but also a way to sharpen the sensitivity of the patients for the importance of agreed appointments.