Rome Health announced on April 30 a new appointment cancellation policy that introduces fees for missed appointments and late cancellations. Patients who miss office visits or outpatient services, or cancel with less than 24 hours’ notice, may be charged a $25 fee. For MRI appointments, the fee is set at $100.
Some procedures—including sleep studies, endoscopy, surgery, and certain radiological tests—require specialized staff and equipment. For these services, Rome Health now requires cancellations to be made seven days in advance so that the slot can be offered to another patient. Patients who cancel these types of appointments with less than seven days’ notice or do not show up may incur a $100 charge.
The policy aims to address concerns from patients about long waits for appointments due to increased demand for medical services. Rome Health said that combining this new policy with ongoing appointment reminders will help ensure more available slots are used by patients needing care.
Missed appointments and last-minute cancellations have prevented Rome Health from offering those times to other waiting patients, which can delay important evaluations and treatments.
“Every appointment represents an opportunity for someone in our community to receive care,” said Chief Medical Officer Cristian Andrade, M.D. “When patients are active partners and provide advance notice, we can offer that time to someone else who needs it. This policy is designed to improve access and better serve our community.”
Rome Health also stated it recognizes unexpected circumstances occur; fees may be waived in cases such as illness or emergencies. The hospital encourages patients to notify their care team as soon as possible if they cannot keep an appointment so others may benefit from timely care.
