Our goal is not to let expense prevent you from benefiting from the quality of care you need and desire.
After an exam, we will discuss any necessary dental treatment and the many payment options we offer. Our experienced and caring staff members take pride in making financial arrangements that make paying for your dental needs as easy and affordable as possible.
Insurance
Our office has experienced business professionals who understand the insurance system. As a service to our patients, we file claims and accept payment directly from many insurance carriers. Once we receive the necessary forms and policy information, we make every effort to help our patients who have dental insurance receive their maximum benefit. If you have any questions regarding your insurance, please do not hesitate to call our office and speak with Catherine or Julie.
- UCR (Usual, Customary, and Reasonable)
Under a UCR plan, patients are usually allowed to see the dentist of their choice. These plans pay an established percentage of the dentist's fee or pay the plan sponsor's "customary" or "reasonable" fee limit, whichever is less. Although these limits are called "customary," they may or may not reflect fees that area dentists charge.
It may also be noted on your bill that the fee your dentist has charged you is higher than the reimbursement levels of UCR. This does not mean your dentist is overcharging you. For example, the insurance company may not have taken into account up-to-date, regional data in determining a reimbursement level. - Why?
There is no regulation as to how insurance companies determine reimbursement levels, resulting in wide fluctuation. In addition, insurance companies are not required to disclose how they determine these levels. The language used in this process may be inconsistent among carriers and difficult to understand. - Annual Maximums
Your plan purchaser makes the final decision on "maximum levels" of reimbursement through the contract with the insurance company.
Even though the cost of dental care has significantly increased over the years, the maximum levels of insurance reimbursements have remained the same since the late 1960s. Many plans offer higher maximums that are comparable to rising dental costs. - Preferred Providers
Your Plan may want you to choose your dental care from a list of their preferred providers. Whether or not you choose your dental care from this defined group can affect your levels of reimbursement. - Least Expensive Alternative Treatment
Your dental plan may only allow benefits for the least expensive treatment for a condition. For example, your dentist may recommend a crown, but your insurance may only offer reimbursement for a large filling. As with other choices in life - such as purchasing medical or automobile insurance, or buying a home - the least expensive alternative is not always the best option. - Preexisting Conditions
Just like your medical insurance, your dental plan may not cover conditions that existed before you enrolled in the plan. Even though your plan may not cover certain conditions, treatment may still be necessary. - Treatment Exclusions
Your dental plan may not cover certain procedures or preventative treatments, such as sealants that can save you money later. This does not mean these treatments are unnecessary. Your dentist can help you decide what type of treatment is best for you. - Questions
Your dentist, or the financial manager of your dental office, may also be able to help explain dental plan issues with you.
However, your dentist may not be able to answer specific questions about your dental plan, or predict what your level of coverage for a procedure will be. This is because plans offered by the same employer or written by the same third-party payer can vary according to the contracts involved.
The American Dental Association recognizes the important role dental benefits have played in improving access to dental care for millions of Americans and is now working with insurance policymakers to help set better standards within the industry.
Credit Cards
Major credit and debit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and CareCredit are gladly accepted.
Interest-Free Payment Plans
Creative financing options are available to help you obtain necessary dental treatment with a minimum of financial hardship. Our office uses companies such as CareCredit, which may allow you to finance needed treatment. Some plans are completely interest free, others offer low monthly payments. Often we can help you obtain financing with no initial payment or interest charge.