No-show protection
No-show protection with a ₹100 booking deposit
DoctorIn's slot booking asks patients to pay a ₹100 deposit by UPI before they book. They enter the 12-digit UTR, and a prefilled WhatsApp message with their name, contact number, batch and UTR goes to reception. The deposit is adjusted in the consultation bill at the desk.
Last updated: Written by Surya Raj Salve
How does a deposit-backed booking work?
- 1The patient opens the clinic's page (from the QR stand or the clinic's link) and taps Book a slot.
- 2They choose the batch they want, morning or evening.
- 3They pay ₹100 with any UPI app.
- 4They enter the 12-digit UTR from their UPI app.
- 5A WhatsApp message to reception opens, already filled with their name, contact number, batch and UTR. They send it.
- 6At the visit, the ₹100 is adjusted in the consultation bill.
Reception can check the UTR against the payment received before the patient arrives.
What is a UTR number?
UTR stands for Unique Transaction Reference. Every UPI payment gets one, and UPI apps show it on the payment receipt. It is 12 digits long. Because each payment has its own UTR, it lets reception match a booking message to an actual payment.
Why ask for a deposit instead of free booking?
A free booking costs nothing to make and nothing to abandon, so some slots get booked by people who never come, or by pranksters. Even a small payment changes that: someone who has paid has a reason to turn up, or to tell the clinic they cannot.
The deposit is small on purpose. It is enough to show intent, and because it is adjusted in the bill, a genuine patient pays nothing extra.
Is the deposit an extra charge for patients?
No. The ₹100 is adjusted in the consultation bill at the desk, so the patient's total does not change.
What happens if a patient does not come?
Each clinic decides its own policy for missed bookings and explains it to patients. DoctorIn's job is to make the booking traceable: every booking message carries the patient's contact number and a UTR.
Does booking need an app or an account?
No. Patients use the clinic's web page, their own UPI app and WhatsApp, all of which they already have. There is no sign-up and no login.
Which plans include deposit booking?
Smart Clinic (₹14,999) and Multispecialty Pro (₹24,999) include the ₹100 anti-prank UPI slot reservation with WhatsApp sync. Starter Desk (₹9,999) includes WhatsApp appointment booking without the deposit step. Compare plans on the pricing page.