So I go to see a dermatologist. I have to sign papers saying I agree to arbitrate and will pay a fee if I don't give 24 hours notice of cancellation. Ok no problem. Then they have an esthitician (I'm sure I spelled that wrong) take me back and she begins to tell me how my skin can be helped with their line of skin care products (I wasn't there for anything like that). She said she would make me an appt for a free consultation. I went ahead and did that. Last Friday I receive a reminder message that my appt is at 4:00 (no date) and if I don't give 24 hours notice I will be charged 50.00 (yikes). It was after 7:00 by time I got that message. First thing Monday I called and got her voicemail. I left a message saying I didn't recall when my appointment was, that her message gave a time but not the date and I need to see what day it was for. She does not call me back until Tuesday morning and says the appt was for Monday and I now must pay a 50.00 fee. She was quite snotty so I just said well I'll be sure not to use your services then. She said ok and that was it. Now I'm sitting here thinking, my initial appt was with the Dr for something entirely different. They had her talk to me in an attempt to get customers for that side of their business obviously. I guess the paper I signed saying I would pay the fee would apply to her (of course, I didn't read it that well and didn't get a copy...) but can they really charge me for a "free consultation". It's not like she lost any money by my not being there. Also, although I am at fault for not keeping track of my appt, I did try to contact her to confirm the date. Mind you, I called first thing in the morning and my appt wasn't until 4:00. I'm sure she checked her voicemail throughout the day. Any opinions.......
No, seems like she didn't call you back on purpose. If they send you a bill I would report them to the BBB.
I just reread my letter, boy was I rambling!!! I found the 50.00 fee for a missed free consultation pretty ridiculous as well. I just know if I try to fight it I will end up with a collection. I should reschedule the "free" consultation, go and ask a million questions and take up as much time as I can. Then not buy anything. At least I'll get me 50.00 worth of time. I do understand that I was wrong for not keeping track of my own appointment but come on... 50.00!!!! My regular Dr only charges 20 for a missed appointment. She isn't even a Dr, she's just an estitician. How can they justify charging the same amount for the Dr and for an estitician
