Dentist offices - common billing practices - spinoff thread

[elainesj]

The recent discussion about dental billing errors got me thinking - what are common practices in your dentist's office?

My son recently went to his dentist with a problem, we were told he had a major cavity and had to have his tooth pulled. They made another appt and he went in to have it pulled and a spacer put in. I asked them before that appt how much approximately it would cost (As our insurance only covers about 90%). They wouldn't tell me - not even a ballpark. They said they wouldn't know until they went in.

Then afterwards he went for a checkup and they finally did full xrays. Found quite a number of cavities (why didn't they do the xray when they pulled the tooth?? They had to put him under to pull the tooth. I would have thought that was perfect time to do xrays). Anyway, so he had to go back in again - this time under laughing gas. Again I asked them for approximate costs. No way Jose. Not until all work is done.

I'm still annoyed with these practices. I know docs do it too with prescriptions...but with drugs, it's a $5 copay so I know how much I'm going to have to dish out. (Rather different than a $300 10% payment) And the docs I see always ask if I have insurance and if I don't, try to give me a cheaper version.

On to my next beef - I went to see another denstist for a routine teeth cleaning I had an appointment for. A couple of weeks later, I get a bill for $100+. I'm in shock. Call and ask and apparently, it's a "deeper" cleaning I am supposed to get done every once in a while and my insurance only covers a portion of it as this is my OOP costs. Some notice would be considerate?! Or even a heads up when I went in for my appt?

anyway as you can tell...it all ticks me off a lot. I don't know if there's even any point looking for new dentists. From what others have told me, this is standard practice amongst dentists. I just wanted to find out from as many people as possible...what is your dentist's standard practices?

and what on earth do you do if you have a strict budget and need to plan your expenses carefully? We're fortunate as we keep a fairly large reserve fund. But I hate paying money without even getting a chance to say yes or no.

 

[pennymom]

For anything beyond filling a basic cavity or cleaning/xrays, our dentist always gives us a printed estimate that we sign on the day the appointment is scheduled, and updates it if changes need to be made. Sorry I can't be more help.

 

[dis-happy]

We always get a written estimate from our ped dentist for any work that needs to be done. We also have to sign it at the time the appt. is made. I'd find another ped dentist.

As for the "deep cleaning", if you are going in every 6 months as scheduled I wouldn't expect any extra charges like that.

 

[indimom]

For anything beyond filling a basic cavity or cleaning/xrays, our dentist always gives us a printed estimate that we sign on the day the appointment is scheduled, and updates it if changes need to be made. Sorry I can't be more help.

Same here. I have had a tooth bothering me for awhile now. X-rays showed nothing. Dentist referred me to an endodontist to get a final decision on what "may" be going on with this tooth. Assuming it is bad and will need a root canal and crown, the dentist's office gave me a detailed quote on what the crown (which is the portion the dentist would complete, the endo would do the root canal) would cost and my anticipated oop cost. I had to sign the form then and there at the office. Maybe keep looking for another dentist.

 

[Pakey]

I also sign a written estimate for costs prior to any work being done. That estimate will include estimated insurance reimbursement but clearly states that I'm responsible for all costs.

Due to chemotherapy, I have had 2 deep cleanings done (regular cleanings are every 3 months) and they were a lot more than $100. I'm not sure that I buy the OP's dentist charge on this one.

I would look for a new dentist.

 

[mjkacmom]

I have no idea what it's going to cost - they bill my insurance, and I pay what isn't covered. And I LOVE our dentist office! BTW, I don't think it would be easy to xray someone who is out cold - they instruct you how to clamp your teeth on the camera.

 

[elainesj]

wow - I'm so glad I asked. i've had a very uneasy feeling about all this but it has happened at 3 different dentists so far so I was thinking it was just standard practice.

about the xrays: it is possible (and much easier) to do xrays when someone's out. My dd was terrified of xrays (our reg dentist sent her to a ped and they couldn't even do it - had to wait till she was put under). The few xrays they did showed numerous cavities so they put her under to fill them and while there, did the last 1-2 xrays to confirm the rest of the cavities. (BTW, she had 9 in total *sigh*)

I like the written estimate I have to sign SO much better. Now I think it's going to be worth my time to go shop around and the big question will be billing practices!

 

[cm8]

I also sign a written estimate for costs prior to any work being done. That estimate will include estimated insurance reimbursement but clearly states that I'm responsible for all costs.

Due to chemotherapy, I have had 2 deep cleanings done (regular cleanings are every 3 months) and they were a lot more than $100. I'm not sure that I buy the OP's dentist charge on this one.

I would look for a new dentist.

Agreed!