Dental office issue, WWYD?

[DisneyPhD]

Dental office issue.

I need some help. I really dislike going to the dentist, and I put if off for a number of years (about 5, this was about 5 years ago, I didn't have insurance for most of that.)

Anyway I don't love my dentist office, but I don't HATE them.

However I am very unhappy with them and wonder if I should change.

I have had bunch of dental work in the past 5 years, including least 5 root cannels, some caped teeth (after the root cannel) and a number of fillings (new and replaced old ones.)

I have always been unhappy with how the office handles paper work. They can never find my file it seems. Then they would always bill me at the time of service, and then send me an additional bill a few weeks later. I started refusing to pay until I get the final bill. They agreed to that.

Well then last year I had a 2 root cannels. I was told it would stay under my 1,500 cap (with 90% coverage.) However I have paid a lot more then $150, as some things are not covered. More like $500.

Anyway I then get a bill for over $300. When I ask about it they add up my yearly chart and say I should only be at 1,250 for the year. I call my insurance and they say, no they have in fact paid my dentist office 1500 so far this year. When I tell the office staff this they don't have any record of it.

They wanted me to pay the 350. I say if they can't keep track of my bills, I really shouldn't be responsible for it. They didn't even have records of getting the money, but yet my insurance paid it to them (and was billed for it, they have records of it.) I was told it wouldn't go over the cap , if it would of I was going to wait the month for the non emergency root cannel when my insurance year ended.

So when I threatened to leave they said I could just pay $150 off it (I don't have a problem paying the $50 it would of been over my cap.)

I still think I should leave and find a new office, but then again the dentist isn't bad, he is a nice guy and has done good work so far I think. Then again I have no way of know if this all was really necessary. My DH has thought all along this isn't a good office and thinks I should leave.

I have an issue I need to take care of. so I need to do something soon. Last time I saw him he said I have a whole in a tooth, not a cavity, just a whole. I don't understand it, but it is making me crazy. Food gets stuck in there and I am flossing my teeth 3 times a day at least. It doesn't hurt at all.

I know some people here are dentist or work in the office. What do you guys think? Thanks.

 

[LiLIrishChick63]

go to a new office. if they're so unorganized with their paperwork, i'm thinking about how they are about their instruments and steralizing them(i work at a dentist office, and we're always really up on everything like that).

maybe you could talk to the dentist and tell him what's going on first, if you really don't want to leave?

 

[tiggersmom2]

go to a new office. if they're so unorganized with their paperwork, i'm thinking about how they are about their instruments and steralizing them(i work at a dentist office, and we're always really up on everything like that).
maybe you could talk to the dentist and tell him what's going on first, if you really don't want to leave?

Oh please, if you work for a dental office then you know the people responsible for sterilization are NOT the front office staff.

DisneyPhd - you should have gotten EOBs (explanation of benefits) from your insurance company - they send one for every procedure they are billed for. I would get all my EOBs together and take them to your dental office and go over each one. Then, if I really liked the dentist, I would demand to see him and let him know what is going on.....most dentist have no idea what the front office staff is up to (though they should).

Good luck, sounds like the dentist has a very incompetent front office.

 

[DisneyPhD]

Oh please, if you work for a dental office then you know the people responsible for sterilization are NOT the front office staff.

DisneyPhd - you should have gotten EOBs (explanation of benefits) from your insurance company - they send one for every procedure they are billed for. I would get all my EOBs together and take them to your dental office and go over each one. Then, if I really liked the dentist, I would demand to see him and let him know what is going on.....most dentist have no idea what the front office staff is up to (though they should).

Good luck, sounds like the dentist has a very incompetent front office.

Thanks tiggersmom2, I was hoping you would answer. That is what I was thinking. (about the front desk and sterilization.) That part of the office seems ok, and so the dentist, that is why I have stayed so far. I don't really trust the dentist 100%, but then again I had to 2 two root cannels while 12 weeks pregnant and I was so miserable. I don't think any person (or father for this mater) would make a ill pregnant women go through that if it wasn't necessary, not for the legal ramifications alone (who wants that on their hands?)

The office staff said they talked it over with him and he was willing to drop half of the bill so I would stay.

Part of my passive aggressive dealing with dental work is not keeping track of all the stuff. I hate reminders of it so I don't know where all of it is. They resent me some info, but it is all in codes I really don't understand.

As it is I haven't gotten a bill for them since talking to the office, I just don't know if I should stay or try a new place and a 2nd opinion.

A friend did give me the name of her dentist who she loves and is close by. Still I hate to change in middle of something. At this point though it seems like it is never going to end. Every time I come in they say there is something else.

 

[tiggersmom2]

I would call the insurance company and explain what is going on and ask for a summary of all charges billed YTD. It will clearly state how much was paid to the dental office. I would definitely resolve this situation before leaving just for my own peace of mind.

Honestly, if you don't trust your dentist 100%, I would find someone else. It isn't fair to you or him to keep going back and really, who wants to fight over a bill EVERY time......

 

[AlreadyexcitedGrammy]

today was a dentist visit for me - stinking filling - but I say - "move on".

There are just too many REALLY GOOD ones out there that if you have had this continual problem, it's a problem and not likely to really change.

Ask around to see where other friends go, how's the office experience, both with the hygenist, dentist and front desk, etc. - if you are near Dayton OH, I have a great one to recommend - always at least one joke, loves the Buckeyes, and is ummmmmmmmmmm "flaky" but he makes for a pleasant experience. I can tell that the staff likes being there and man - they have 2 hour lunches and off every other Friday - yep - I really think the Dr. likes to have time to "play" so he makes a great schedule for all.

Anyway, just MHO - time for you to research and move on ~ I'm siding with DH - tell him he has one one on his side

 

[DisneyPhD]

Tiggersmom2, I don't think I have told you congrats yet.

AlreadyexcitedGrammy, thanks. I that is what I was thinking, if I am not happy maybe I should move on. The thing is I have NEVER had a good dental experience in my life. My Dentist as kid, turns out was taking us for a ride. (later was exposed on the news and lost is license.)

I guess trust and dentist don't come easy for me (no offence Tmom2.)

Then again my current dentist might be OK, and it might be my past that is getting to me.

 

[disykat]

go to a new office. if they're so unorganized with their paperwork, i'm thinking about how they are about their instruments and steralizing them(i work at a dentist office, and we're always really up on everything like that).

maybe you could talk to the dentist and tell him what's going on first, if you really don't want to leave?

I think you offered good advice (and got shot down rudely for it!). It was nice of you to respond to the OP. I think there IS a point where you look at who the dentist allows to work for him/her and no longer trust his judgement.

I almost left a dentist because of an inept front office. Fortunately they rectified the situation and I didn't have to leave. I would have though - the front office represents the dentist. If the dentist puts up with an inept front office, it certainly says something about his judgement.

 

[llp479]

My dad is a dentist and has practiced for over 40 years. He can tell you exactly how much open accounts receivable he has on a daily basis, and how much cash came in that day, and could even before his practice was computerized.

I would ask your dentist how aware he is of what is taking place in his front office. There may be fraud or theft ocurring and he isn't even aware that it is taking place, but he would be responsible.

If you truly like the dentist, do him a favor and sit him down.

 

[Cinderella2004]

I too, work at a dental office. And agree with the other posters that the people at the front are NOT the ones who are in the back handling sterilization. Clinical staff has a LOT more training/schooling than front office.

To get back to your question though, DisneyPHD, reading "into" your post....(which I may be off base about) it sounds as if even though you like your Dentist you're not 100% that he is right for you. I think you should try someone new. There's so many dentists out there, find one who makes you feel as comfortable as the setting will allow.

Just an F.Y.I.....depending on which type of dental insurance you have, you can check online and see exactly what claims have been submitted and how much your insurance co. paid. We do this for every new patient who comes to our office.

Good luck!!! Let us know what you decide to do!!!

 

[miss missy]

I have had A LOT of work done in my years so I have LOADS of experience with dentists for sure! The one I go to now is on top of EVERYTHING, his office is run BY him, he has state of the art computers and such. He is a profectionist! So I see how he runs the office and this billing mess would never happen in his office. My point is, his work is backed up by his office staff being on the ball.

I know that the ins says they will pay one thing when the office is looking at the ins info, but there are deductibles and "customary charges" that the ins goes by. So some things may say 90%, but that is say 90% of "customary charges" and that figure may be lower than the dentist's charge. It's kinda you get what you pay for, if one goes to a cheap dentist, they probably don't take the time they should on you and their work not as thorough as it would be if they charged more and were able to take the time needed on you. Oh and can you access your ins info online? I can for metlife and I can see everything billed and paid. If not, I would call the ins co and have them mail you the years of statements.

As far as changing, I had to do that once, I was having cosmetic work done and my dentist just can't beat the professionals work. I knew I had to go with the one who could do the best work, for me, the cheapest isn't what I want for my mouth. My teeth is not where I am looking for deals LOL. My root canals are done by an endodontist, an endodontist is a dentist who specializes in root canal procedures. I know a lot of general dentist do them, but my dentist said you don't get your heart fixed by a car repairman... this told me he wasn't money hungry, he really wants the tooth done right. He always says the teeth I work on is my report card. So although I pay out the butt for the work, I know it is done by one of the best.

Dentist tomorrow for me... love the teeth, hate the work needed to have them LOL!

 

[Kiddeokee]

I would change. It sounds like alot of work is being reccommended - I had a dentist once, that had me fill 9 cavities. I was told by other dentists later that this was unnecessary. I never "liked" him, but didn't know that I had the right to choose someone else (I was a kid & my parents just took me to the guy that went to their church.) I didn't know a good dentist (or doctor for that matter) until I was on my own, and choosing my own dentist/doctors. My dentist now understands my fear of dentistry, and over the past 7 years has actually been able to get me to relax in the chair (well, a little).

2 MORE DAYS!

 

[LiLIrishChick63]

I think you offered good advice (and got shot down rudely for it!). It was nice of you to respond to the OP. I think there IS a point where you look at who the dentist allows to work for him/her and no longer trust his judgement.

I almost left a dentist because of an inept front office. Fortunately they rectified the situation and I didn't have to leave. I would have though - the front office represents the dentist. If the dentist puts up with an inept front office, it certainly says something about his judgement.

thanks, i quite agree. it was quite rude. it was just my opinion anyway. i appreciate the fact that you thought my opinion at least counted.

 

[LiLIrishChick63]

I too, work at a dental office. And agree with the other posters that the people at the front are NOT the ones who are in the back handling sterilization. Clinical staff has a LOT more training/schooling than front office.

To get back to your question though, DisneyPHD, reading "into" your post....(which I may be off base about) it sounds as if even though you like your Dentist you're not 100% that he is right for you. I think you should try someone new. There's so many dentists out there, find one who makes you feel as comfortable as the setting will allow.

Just an F.Y.I.....depending on which type of dental insurance you have, you can check online and see exactly what claims have been submitted and how much your insurance co. paid. We do this for every new patient who comes to our office.

Good luck!!! Let us know what you decide to do!!!

you don't have to go to school to steralize ANYTHING actually. Assistants don't need schooling. it's recommended and most practices will only hire assistants who have gone to school, but they don't HAVE to have any kind of schooling experience besides high school.

in my opinion, the front desk represents the office, no matter what medical practice you are in. and i stick with my opinion that if they're so inadequate at the front desk, how can you be sure they know what's going on in the back?

the dentist doesn't steralize anything, they don't clean/check rooms. they go in and do their work, leave and go and wait on another patient. they really won't know of anything going on outside of what is happening while they're working on a patient, unless something is brought up.

if you have a good dentist, he/she will try and work things out with you. if you have a not so good dentist who won't try and help you out, it's time to leave.

 

[IwasatWDWforamonth]

At my EX dentist the hygenists work at the front desk, including the dentists (witch) wife who is also a hygenist,.

Id say its time to find another dentist,

 

[LiLIrishChick63]

At my EX dentist the hygenists work at the front desk, including the dentists (witch) wife who is also a hygenist,.

Id say its time to find another dentist,

at the office i interned at they had some of the assistants up at the front desk too. they'd be in the back, then if the front needed help they'd send them up there.

not exactly the BEST thing to do. after all of the stuff that can get on your scrubs after seeing a patient.....and then going up there and touching the phones and the chairs and patient charts.....i didn't like it.

 

[DisneyPhD]

Hi all. Thanks so much for the help and insight. I decided you guys are right. If I am not happy there is enough other dentist out there to give a try. After all I have good insurance, and I live in a metro area.

I got a good recommendation from a friend and for a female dentist close to my home. I called the office today. The receptionist was super nice, it felt good just from the 1st phone contact. I felt more relaxed about the whole thing already.

I have an appointment next week, so hopefully I should have this tooth issue resolved soon. I hope it isn't anything bad.

I also got another bill from my old dentist office. The half amount they agreed to when I complained (but still a lot of $). I sent the check out in the mail, so hopefully I can get this behind me.

 

[DisneyPhD]

Hi Dis friends. I just wanted to give an update to those to helped me.

I paid the old office bill and just returned from an appointment with my new dental office. I really liked the office, the staff and the dentist. I felt very comfortable, even when I wasn't I felt I was able to let them know and that worked out well.

Thanks for the help, I don't think my old office was bad (like the dentist was taking me for a ride an making me get work done I didn't need) but I am happier at the new place. I still have some more work I need to have done, but hopefully it will not stretch out in front of me forever like the other place.