Question: Illinois Subscriber Answer:Whether you can bill for no-show visits or charge a late fee will depend on your payer contracts and the laws in your state. Some contracts prohibit no-show charges or fees unrelated to patient services. Check your contract and state laws, and if both allow such charges, go ahead and bill the patient for this inconvenience. Many practices charge a fee (such as $25) for missed appointments, but there are other options to consider. Here are some suggestions from other practices: If you charge for missed appointments or a certain number of late arrivals, post that information so patients are aware of the policy. Include notices on the registration form, in the registration area, and in the waiting room. Some practices write off the first occurrence and consider it part of patient education. Have a financial policy that mentions the fee in writing.Have the patient sign a copy of the policy, which he keeps, plus one you will keep with his chart. That way he cannot claim he was never told or did not see the notification. Tell late arrivals (fifteen or more minutes) that your staff will fit them in as best you can, but that patients who are on time for appointments get preference. Give the patient the option of rescheduling later. If the patient misses an appointment, send a follow-up letter. Set guidelines for the practice and send a stronger letter each time until you reach the predetermined point of dismissing the patient (usually three missed or late arrival appointments). Don't miss: -- Advice for You Be the Coder and Reader Questions provided by Maggie M. Mac, CPC, CEMC, CHC, CMM, ICCE, Director, Best Practices-Network Operations at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.