Patient Information
Financial Information
At the time of your initial visit, your treatment plan will be established and an estimate of fees will be given to you. Please bring your insurance forms with you and have your portion filled out and signed to expedite the filing of your claim.
We gladly assist all patients by preparing their insurance forms for them. Please understand, however, that insurance coverage is a contract between the patient and his or her insurance carrier, not between our office and the carrier.
Regardless of the amount the insurance company pays, each patient is still responsible for the full amount of the bill.
It is customary to pay for the services when rendered if you are not covered by insurance. If you are covered by insurance, we ask that your estimated share of the cost of the treatment be paid at the time services are rendered. Payment is expected at the time of service. Any questions about this policy should be discussed with the receptionist prior the treatment.
In addition, diagnostic services for biopsies may incur an additional fee which may be billed separately by an outside diagnostics services group.
Our financial secretary will be happy to discuss payment arrangements with you that will suit your needs. We accept cash, check , VISA, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover for the payment of our fees.
We ask that all accounts be paid within 60 days from the date of service.
Insurance
Our insurance coordinators deal with many different insurance companies. Some companies offer as many as six different dental and medical plans. Some companies combine dental and medical coverage. This insurance alphabet soup changes policies and guidelines weekly. At times, it is almost impossible to accurately estimate our patient's insurance co-payment. Please check with your insurance company to see if one of our doctors is a network provider for your specific insurance plan. Many insurance companies will not give out fees until after the treatment is completed. Dealing with these companies can be difficult and time consuming. As a courtesy, we ask that you keep us informed of any change to your insurance. It is important that all information about you and your insurance be current.
PPOs, Private and Group Insurance - As a courtesy, we will file your insurance claims for you. Upon receipt of an insurance payment, any balance due will be billed to you. If you have deposited an excessive co-payment, it will be refunded to you.
HMO Patients - If a patient comes to us with a problem that they expect to be covered by medical insurance (biopsies, tumors, TMJ disorders, infections, jaw deformities), they must have a referral from their primary care physician. A referral from a dentist is not adequate for medical insurance coverage. Obtaining a medical referral is the patient's responsibility. We cannot obtain the referral for you, and the referral cannot be obtained retroactively. If you do not have a referral, we will be happy to see you on a cash basis, but your medical insurance company will not pay for your treatment.
Medicare Patients - You are responsible for any deductible and co-insurance. Dental procedures (extractions, implants) are not covered by Medicare. If Medicare denies your procedure, you are responsible for the charges.
If you have any problems or questions, please ask our staff.