there has been a lot in the press about people who either do not turn up for doctors appointments ar turn up late and the cost to the NHS, now I do agree people that miss appointments should take some responsibility for a no show or lateness; but this seems to be all one sided.
The last time I went to the doctors (18 months ago) my appontment was for 6pm and I finally got in to see the doctor at 6.50. I too am self employed and if I miss work I do not earn money, yet I am not allowed to claim for my loss of time.
My colleague went to the doctors 2 weeks ago to be told to come back as the doctor had not arrived at the surgery. Once again a lost morning.
I have taken the unusual step of charging others for my lost time and it seems to be working. British gas lost one of our payments (company not home) and after 6 months of us sending in all the info they decided to send an official letter that they will take me to court for non payment, at this point I got involved in the dispute. The amount (all of £7.20) was finally traced and down to them changing our account number and not informing us. I sent them a bill for £400 being my charge rate for work outside of our premises; they paid £100. Did the same with BT and they settled half the invoice.
So from now on when I receive a call from my dentist confirming my appointment and telling me that if I am late or a no show they will charge I tell them if they keep me waiting more than 15 minutes I will charge them, so far I have got in within 10 minutes every time.
Boadicea's Chariot 
Love it Rick!
And what about travelling on public transport. When we buy a ticket to travel, what is on offer? Yes, the train ride or tube ride from A to B; but are seats really a luxury? Why not just build cattle-trucks. Passengers could choose to stand up or lie down on the floor. Those that agreed could lie on top of each other. Why shouldn’t we be reimbursed if there is no seat available?. Or on the other hand there should be a second class fare to allow passengers to travel at half price or one-third of the price in a standing up position. Half price or even one-third the price. What arrogance is displayed by the London Transport authorities and by British Rail.
PS Can you remind me please of what you said to the rude passenger who tried to jump in front of you in a queue at a railway station. If I recall, the offending person was arrogant and presumptuous. Your words put him/her in their rightful place. Go on, remind me!
My dentist never keeps me waiting, but I have been delayed at my local surgery.
To be fair, GPs do get called out for emergencies, but the time allocated per person is too short, or their patient lists are too long. I don’t work, but I can understand the frustration of those who do! My surgery offers early and evening appointments, which is quite a good idea.
I never have to wait at the dentist, but there again, I am an “independent” patient, i.e. private.
The doctor’s surgery us another matter. It is not really worth turning up on time, except it is normally the only way to get a parking space in the surgery car park.
In this country, we have ‘Terms and conditions apply’. But it is worth a try!
Rick – well done you – I wish I was brave enough to follow your example!
FEEG – I am a private dentist patient too, but she still keeps me waiting at least 15 minutes every time!
FEEG I too am a private dentist patient and to be fair they are normally very good with time keeping. But doctors are very bad, I know they get called away etc, but if I am late they go ballistic, that is if you can get an appointment.
Needless to say they never try it here, when you are paying!
I am seriously surprised that they actually paid your invoices rr, but the fact that you sent them probably made them think you would progress to lawyers PDQ! So it was cheaper to settle straight away.