So is it mandatory for doctors’ offices to call patients about 24hrs in advance of their appointment?

I made a note to call my doc this morning after missing an appt. last week. I totally spaced on the date and time of my next appointment, but I knew it was “soon.” Of course I got side-tracked doing XYZ things around the house (not to mention DH went to the boards today, omg!!! ) and sure enough, it’s already 2:05 and I am getting a call.

Well, it’s the doc herself asking if I’m coming or not. I tell her I’m on my way, and she asks “Are you just leaving? Well you’re not going to make it. If you reschedule, you’ll have to pay $50.”

Fifty bucks?! Arghghga;dlkfjsdf;lkjsd!!!!!!!!!!! I mean, I know it’s technically my fault, but no courtesy call or NUTHIN?! I mean, if you’re going to charge out the ass like that, the least you can do is say “Hey, if you like not throwing money down the toilet, it might be wise to SHOW UP tomorrow at 2pm…..” and then hang up. They don’t even need to have polite conversation. I know of SEVERAL doc offices that just simply have recordings that tell you this information. I mean, c’mon people. It’s 2008.

*hmph*