Enforcing a Cancellation Policy Isn't "Mean"

Whether you're in business for yourself or working for someone else, late cancellations and no-shows are always a challenging conversation.Many of us feel uncomfortable with enforcing a cancellation policy.  But if we don't enforce one we're doing a disservice to ourselves, our staff, and our patients themselves.So why do we have a late cancellation fee?Fairness to other patients so they are able to get inRespect for our timeRespect for the processRecouping lost costs to the businessNotice that the financial aspect is (deliberately) the least important on that list!A few other tactical things:The late cancellation/no-show charge needs to sting - it can't be something people don't take seriously.  We recommend at least 50% of the appointment visit.We recommend a difference between a late cancellation and a 'no-show'The policy can be firm and you can extend grace as necessaryAlways at least mention the policy when someone late cancels, even if you're planning to waive itSwitch your mindset!  For many of us, the 'exception' is when we charge the fee.  Instead, the exception should be when we waive the feeThese are difficult conversations, but they do get easier with time.  If you are running your own practice (or thinking about starting soon), make sure to reach out - we've helped 200+ businesses start and grow in pelvic health!Business ResourcesWe've now helped more than 200 cash-based pelvic health practices start and grow.  We want to make sure you're building a business that works for you (instead of vice-versa) and actually enjoy the process along the way!  See all the business resources we offer (www.pelvicptrising.com/business), tailored specifically to pelvic health!Clinical CoursesAll of the Rising clinical courses are designed to challenge the way you think and make you more confident in your clinical practice.  All online and go-at-your-own pace, you'll have lifetime access to the lectures and handouts.  Check out all the clinical courses we offer (www.pelvicptrising.com/clinical).About UsNicole and Jesse Cozean founded Pelvic PT Rising to provide clinical and business resources to physical therapists to change the way we treat pelvic health.   PelvicSanity Physical Therapy together in 2016.  It grew quickly into one of the largest cash-based physical therapy practices in the country.Through Pelvic PT Rising, Nicole has created clinical courses (www.pelvicptrising.com/clinical) to help pelvic health providers gain confidence in their skills and provide frameworks to get better patient outcomes.  Together, Jesse and Nicole have helped nearly 200 pelvic practices start and grow through the Pelvic PT Rising Mentorship Program (www.pelvicptrising.com/business) and business courses to change the way pelvic health is administered.Get in Touch!Learn more at www.pelvicptrising.com, follow Nicole @nicolecozeandpt (www.instagram.com/nicolecozeandpt) or reach out via email ([email protected]).Check out our Clinical Courses, Business Resources and learn more about us at Pelvic PT Rising...Let's Continue to Rise!