Missed Doctor Appointments Mean Fees & Bans

Several medical clinics in Saskatoon have adopted a stringent 'three strikes' policy to address patients who fail to attend scheduled appointments. Starting January 1, Lakeside Medical Clinic issues a warning for the first missed appointment, a $50 fee for the second, and a $100 charge along with possible dismissal from the clinic for a third offense. Dr. Jason Hosain emphasizes the value of appointments but cautions against punitive measures without considering patient circumstances like mental health or housing instability.

Erindale Health Centre implemented no-show fees four years prior, charging between $20 and $40. Despite these measures, 20 to 30 patients continue to miss appointments weekly. The clinic's policy now requires payment of outstanding fees before patients can see a doctor and may lead to discharge after three missed appointments within a year. These fees align with the Saskatchewan Medical Association's guide for uninsured services, with doctors retaining discretion for genuine emergencies or financial hardship.

Efforts to quantify the no-show problem in Saskatchewan are hindered, as major health authorities do not track this data. However, Dr. Hosain's analysis at West Winds Primary Health Centre indicated a 4.5 percent no-show rate over 30 days, with individual doctor rates varying from two percent to 12 percent. He suggests using virtual appointments to fill last-minute cancellations as a potential solution for clinics facing appointment vacancies.