Finances & Insurance
Minor Patients- The parent or guardian who accompanies the minor is responsible for full payment. In the case of divorces or separated parents, the parent accompanying the child is responsible for payment at that visit.
Payment for professional services is due at the time dental treatment is provided. We accept cash, personal checks, debit cards, Visa, and MasterCard.
Any amount remaining unpaid after 30 days after the treatment is started will accrue interest at the rate of 21% per annum. Should the account be turned over to an attorney\collection agency, the parent is liable for 33% attorney’s fees and court costs.
Returned Checks
Patients writing checks that are returned for any reason are subject to a fee of $50.
Insurance Policy
We file for all Dental insurance companies.
Please understand that we file as a courtesy to our patients. We do not have a contract with your insurance company, only you do. We cannot be responsible for how your company handles your claims or for what benefits they will pay on a claim.
If you have provided all of your insurance information on the day of appointment, we will be happy to file your dental claim for you. You must be familiar with your policy, since we will collect your estimated portion. This is the estimated amount your insurance is not expected to pay.
Please keep us informed of any insurance changes such as policy name, company, employer change. If a claim is unpaid due to policy termination the patient or guardian is responsible for payment of unpaid balance
Fact 1- No Insurance Pays 100% of all procedures
Most plans pay between 50-80% of the average total fee. This percentage is different for each type of coverage or plan that your employer has set up for you.
Most PPO plans cover preventive care, cleanings, check-ups, protective dental sealants, x-rays, and fluoride treatment at 80-100%. Basic care, including root canal therapy, extractions, and fillings are usually covered at 80%. Major care such as crowns (caps), permanent bridgework, and full and partial dentures as well as periodontal (gum) care are often covered at 50%.
Fact 2- Benefits are not determined by our office
Insurance companies set up their own schedules and each company uses a different set of fees they consider allowable. These fees are sometimes called UCR fees. These allowable fees vary widely based on how much you or your employee pays into a certain plan
Fact 3- Deductibles and Co Payments must be considered.
Most insurance plans have a deductible of $50 to $100 per calendar year per family member and pay only a specified percentage for each type of treatment. These add to the total cost of dental treatment that must be paid by the patient. These fees are also due each calendar year.
Fact 4- Yearly Maximum
Dental insurance can help people pay for dental treatment, but it has its limitations. Most insurance companies have a yearly maximum of a $1000. Dental insurance is not cumulative, so if you don’t use it, you lose it. It is interesting, and disappointing, to note that when dental insurance companies became common in the early 1970’s, the yearly maximum in many was the same $1000 it is today, even though the cost of delivering dental care has nearly tripled since then.
Our office will help file all insurance claims to dental insurance companies. We will give you any necessary information, if you would like to file on your medical insurance.
Dental insurance can help people pay for routine dental visits, but it has many limitations. Always discuss your insurance plan and financial obligations with our office if you have any questions