Beginning January 2025, the University Health Service (UHS) changed their cancellation and no-show policy introducing a $25 “no-show” fee for students that didn’t cancel or reschedule at least 24 hours in advance of their appointments. This policy change applies to Primary Care, Nutrition, and Physical Therapy appointments.
According to a ‘Read This’ email update sent out in December, UHS found that 425 appointments were missed between August and November of 2024. This equivalent of 30 missed appointments per week had a significant impact on other students who were unable to or delayed in receiving care.
In email correspondence with the CT, UHS Vice Provost and Director Dr. Cheryl Kodjo said that the new cancellation policy is an attempt to encourage efficient scheduling and availability of appointments, benefiting all patients and healthcare professionals. This policy change will prepare students for their future as adults who manage their own healthcare needs, and encourage students to develop necessary time management skills.
The policy will not impact students who cancel or reschedule their appointments in a timely manner.
According to Kodjo, the cancellation policy is flexible in case of extenuating circumstances.
“We also understand that unexpected situations may arise,” she wrote. “Under such circumstances, an appeal may be submitted within 5 days of the missed appointment for review.”
This article was updated on Feb. 26. A previous version incorrectly stated that the policy applied to UCC services as well as UHS services.
