Our insurance coordinators deal with many different insurance companies. Some companies offer many different dental and medical plans. These companies can change benefits, co-pays and deductibles many times throughout the year. We do our best to provide you with accurate coverage estimates based on information available to us. At times, it is almost impossible to accurately estimate our patients' insurance co-payment. 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 is current.
Although we will gladly file your claim on your behalf, you may wish to submit the claim yourself. In general, insurers process claims filed directly by patients faster than those filed by the service providers (dental offices). As a fee-for-service practice, payment of your fee for the treatment provided is expected at the time of treatment. If you choose to have us file your insurance claim, we will promptly return your benefit upon receiving it from your insurance company.
Keep in mind, most dental insurance benefits are limited and often only pay for a portion of the treatment(s) that may need to be done. Even the best of dental insurance plans reimburse only 30%-80% of treatment costs.
If a patient comes to us with a problem that they expect to be covered by medical insurance (biopsies, tumors, TMJ, infections) 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.