Can I charge no-show patients a fee for missed appointments? If yes, can I bill Medicare for a patients missed appointment?
A.- Providers may bill patients for missed appointments, however, Medicare itself does not pay for missed appointments. You must bill the patient/beneficiary directly. Additionally, you must charge all of your patients, Medicare and non-Medicare, the same amount. Educate your patients first before implementing this into your practice. Post a notice in your waiting room, exam room and at the front desk. It is not required, but you may want to have your patients sign a form stating they are aware of this office policy. CMS’ offical written policy can be referenced in Medicare’s Transmittal #1279, CR5613 Charges for Missed Appointments.
