counseling no show fee

C

ClearSky

New Member
Joined
Jun 16, 2006
Messages
1,151
Reaction score
1
Hello, I called for a counseling appointment, and at the end of making an appointment, the lady wanted a credit card number because it's their policy if one doesn't show up they will charge it to your card. I felt so uncomfortable. I mean, I don't do no shows, but I still feel it's wrong to have your credit card on file. It sounds like a threat almost. I have never been asked to provide a credit card. I think it's so wrong that in today's time people are demanding more information out of you especially a cell phone number. I declined to make an appointment because I had this weird feeling that it was so wrong to do that. Does anyone know if this is normal in some offices?
 
just like if you dont show up to your doctor appointment without a call. they will charge you for the visit fee even if you didnt show up but if you called and said u have to cancel the appt. they wont charge you for that.

the doctor office havent asked me for a Credit card number. but still I wouldnt give them my cc information.

but still I thought the counseling office do take insurance? I guess you need to ask question and check to make sure??

and oh yeah check to make sure the Counseling office is reliable and certified to counsel people? ask to look at the certificate and Health Board etc ensure they are in good standing and not a fake one?
 
I understand, but I have never been asked to store my credit card information just for the no show purpose.

I told her that I have never been asked that before, but she said it's their policy because it is taking 1 hour of the counseling person's time. They will only use it to charge you if you don't cancel within 48 hours.

Still, I really hate this because it is MY cc number. What they should do is bill you for it and send you to the collection agency if you don't pay them on time. Simple as that.

My mom went to that place, and she said that they did ask her for her cc number on paper.

They do take insurance. It's just that I have heard strange stories of people being billed for a subscription without permission. I don't like it.

It feels wrong.
 
Charging someone for a no show is one thing....asking for their credit card number is another. You can bill the client for a no show. It is not necessary to have their credit card number. I'd look for a more ethical couselor, if I were you, Clearsky. Sounds like this one's main concern is money, not clients.
 
jillio said:
Charging someone for a no show is one thing....asking for their credit card number is another. You can bill the client for a no show. It is not necessary to have their credit card number. I'd look for a more ethical couselor, if I were you, Clearsky. Sounds like this one's main concern is money, not clients.
Click to expand...

i agree with what jillio said.. i would look for another counselor with good standing and is certified.

storing cc nbr on the file which if someone break in and steal the information? i see where your going with this. I understand why you are in fear of them. Then tell them u dont have credit card? haha..
 
I thought I'd try saying that, but I didn't lol!

I wish I tried to see what happened. I really paused when she said that wondering how to respond.

She said, "I need a home phone number and a cell phone number." She didn't say cell phone was optional. I said, I had a home phone number only. Obviously, I used relay, so it was easy for her to be okay with that probably.

I don't like it! Grr, this world's getting too far sometimes.

I probably can't have counseling unless I give away my cc number! Great! It seemed like a nice place because they use Christianity in it, so....I felt threatened in the end of almost making an appointment! *sigh*
 
try looking some place else...no professionals should be asking for your credit card infos. call other places and ask and see what the other professional office says.
 
Out of curiosity, I did a web search for businesses that require a credit card number as an appointment "no show" precaution. Many businesses popped up. Counseling services, recreational places, spas, salons, doctors, etc. I guess it's becoming more common. Also, car rentals and motels/hotels require credit cards, and they put certain amounts "on hold" until a person's payment clears, even if the actual bill is lower than the reserved amount.

Too many people don't show up for appointments, and businesses lose money, so I guess this is the way they try to prevent so many losses.
 
I noticed that today many businesses are greedy for money. This is soo unlike in old days if, I could recall. It's gettin' harder and harder on people than before. No more flexible or easy nowdays.
 
Maria said:
I noticed that today many businesses are greedy for money. This is soo unlike in old days if, I could recall. It's gettin' harder and harder on people than before. No more flexible or easy nowdays.
Click to expand...
It's not always "greed". A person who supplies a service expects to be paid, or to get enough notice in order to schedule another client in that canceled spot.

It works both ways. Some clients are also inconsiderate of businesses, and don't care if the business person loses money.

Small business owners and private practice professionals can't live on air.
 
Perhaps you can check on BBB (Better Business Bureau ) to see if anyone complain about this company/business?
 
ClearSky said:
I thought I'd try saying that, but I didn't lol!

I wish I tried to see what happened. I really paused when she said that wondering how to respond.

She said, "I need a home phone number and a cell phone number." She didn't say cell phone was optional. I said, I had a home phone number only. Obviously, I used relay, so it was easy for her to be okay with that probably.

I don't like it! Grr, this world's getting too far sometimes.

I probably can't have counseling unless I give away my cc number! Great! It seemed like a nice place because they use Christianity in it, so....I felt threatened in the end of almost making an appointment! *sigh*
Click to expand...

Not all counselor's have this policy. Keep looking for someone else, please. I'm not sure I would trust the ethics of a counselor who has such a policy. And the main thing in a couselor/client relationship is trust.
 
Sunshine1 said:
Perhaps you can check on BBB (Better Business Bureau ) to see if anyone complain about this company/business?
Click to expand...

That is an excellent idea and if u do call BBB... make sure u ask if its legal to give out ur cc number to the dr's office for no show fee...id bet you a buck that they would say no.
 
Back
Top