How to Keep Your Patients from Cancelling Their Therapy Appointments

It’s a challenge getting your patients to keep their therapy appointments or show up on time. Cancellations or no-shows not only result in a disruption of your schedule but also impact your patients’ treatment and the overall profitability of your private practice.

Consider these helpful tips to reduce cancellations and no shows while strengthening your revenue stream.

Establish a No-Show/Cancellation Policy

Create a no-show or cancel policy to encourage your patients to keep their scheduled appointments.

This policy should be a part of the client intake process. As a new patient fills out paperwork, include the no-show/cancellation policy and have them sign it to confirm they agree with the terms.

Also consider displaying this policy at the reception desk and on your website to ensure it is easily accessible and always remains visible for your patients.

Create Tailored Appointment Reminders

To avoid no shows, cancellations, and late arrivals, your mental health practice can enhance the appointment reminder process.

For best efficiency, consider using an automatic system that sends out either email or text reminders. You can also send appointment reminders several times prior to their visit. If you schedule your appointments 3-6 months in advance, you may want to consider sending the initial confirmation, a reminder the week of the appointment, and then the final reminder the day of, allowing the patient one last opportunity to reschedule or cancel.

Always Keep Your Patient’s Information Up to Date

In case your patient is running late, call them to remind them. It’s important to always have the most up to date, accurate contact information. At each session, be sure to confirm their information or if there are any changes that need to be made to their intake file.

Implement a No Show or Cancellation Fee

For the notorious no shows or cancellations, consider implementing a small fee. Not only does this reinforce that your time is valuable, but it also holds your patients accountable for their own therapy sessions. You can include a notice of this fee in your no-show/cancellation policy.

Hire a Mental Health Billing Partner

Running your practice can be overwhelming. Collecting payments, verifying insurance, and keeping up with the latest billing requirements has never been more complicated. To keep a steady stream of patients and revenue, consider partnering with a mental health billing partner like Anchor Point Billing Solutions. Get in touch with us today to learn how we can help your private practice prosper.