Several dozen doctors in Amsterdam have started fining patients who miss their appointments without canceling them, writes the newspaper Parool on May 22.
It is noted that in the Netherlands there is a heavy workload for general practitioners and doctors believe that absences are a waste of time that could be spent on other patients. According to doctors, fines will deter this behavior.
According to Pauline van Hessen from the Amsterdam General Practitioners’ Association, no-shows are becoming a growing problem.
“We’re hearing more and more about people not showing up, and this is causing a lot of frustration among employees.”– she said.
It is observed that some GPs have to use waiting lists because their consultation hours are full and then patient absences become very annoying.
The Patients’ Federation, which represents the interests of patients, opposes the fines.
“We believe these fines do not benefit the doctor-patient relationship.”the organization reported.
Source: Rossa Primavera
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