[user104658]

Originally Posted by Maru

I can see negative consequences to that as well... But in general, I think most doctors value the work they do and work very hard. I have had to deal with a lot of run-around though... but I think that would be anywhere really. Doctors detest problems they can't actually solve. Good to hear the UK has a system that works for them, but they should probably charge a fee for late visits or no shows... especially for specialists or whatever that equivalent is there.

I think there should be some me sort of consequence for simply not showing up without actually calling to cancel... Because I think most no-shows probably know well in advance that they aren't going to be there, but don't bother to call to say so because they don't think it's an issue. They should really make it that even if you're calling 20 minutes before an appointment to say your car has broken down, you should still call, because at least the doctor isn't sitting around waiting for someone and can get on with other work.

I'm unsure about fines straight away for "first timers" though, you don't want people being hesitant to see their doctor because of the possibility of messing up. Maybe a sort of "written warning" system with "repeat offenders" being fined... As I highly suspect that a large number of these missed appointments will be the same people missing multiple appointments. Though I'm not sure how possible it would be to enforce.

The bit in bold I agree with, I don't think there are many doctors who enjoy being paid to see fewer patients, and most are probably quite bored / frustrated when people don't show up because they do have plenty of other things they could have been getting on with.

You do also have some things where last minute cancellations are inevitable. Like vasectomies, where apparently there are a large number who get to the hospital car park, or even through the front door, and then turn on their heel and run home .