From: Olga Luepschen, DPM
I recently had to take my dog to a veterinarian. Our local veterinarians said my Corgis' allergies required specialized care. When I called to schedule the appointment, I was required to give my credit card number before booking the appoinment slot. I was informed the consultation would be between $400-600. If I was a no-show, the credit card would be charged $75.
The final charge was approximately $500. This included the oral and topical medications for his severe allergies. I paid this and drove the 2 1/2 hr each way. Needless to say, as soon I returned back to my office, I implemented a $25 no-show fee. I am now considering requesting credit cards prior to booking. Our profession is just as valuable as that of other specialists. Patients need to learn to respect us as well.
Olga Luepschen, DPM, Sebring, FL
From: Ara Kelekian, DPM
With all do respect, Dr, Busman, he is welcome to implement any policy he finds fit for his practice. As he can read, among other responses, there are other physicians in numerous specialties who have engaged in the same practice policy. He mentions that there is no doctor-patient relationship at the time of the phone call. I wholeheartedly agree, and therefore there is no damage to that relationship. Once the patient shows up to the appointment, this discussion becomes irrelevant.
It is disrespectful to other patients and my practice when individuals take up space that can be devoted to someone who needs to come in and will come in. So while we are all entitled to our opinions, I am simply responding to a colleague who would like a viable solution to a problem that is real and relevant. And it seems that my advice echoes well among our other colleagues who have implemented something similar.
Ara Kelekian, DPM Montebello, CA
