Persistent failure to attend NHS appointments
When a patient fails to attend or cancels without 24 hours notice a pre-booked appointment the practice will write to the patient informing them about the date of the failed appointment and the consequences of failing it 2 more times, which would be the denial of access to the practice.
If a patient fails to attend or cancels without 24 hours notice a pre-booked appointment 3 times, the practice will inform the patient in writing about the refusal of access, providing the reasons, and also will provide the PCT contact details.
A refusal to treat from will be completed by the treating dentist & sent to the LAT.
Copies of all correspondence regarding the refusal of access filled and retained by the practice manager.
Failure to attend private appointments
When a patient fails to attend or cancels without 48 hours notice a pre-booked appointment, the practice will write to the patient informing them about the date of the failed appointment and the appropriate failed to attend charge, which must be paid before the patient can rebook with the practice.
Failure to attend charges are normally set at £2/min and are at the discretion of the dentist.
Copies of all correspondence regarding the failure to attend and the charges incurred will be recorded in patient notes.