Office Policies FAQ
Appointments are made according to your scheduling needs and depending on availability. It is important to keep your child's schedule in mind when making appointments. Most children should be seen in the morning. This ensures that they are alert and allows us the proper time to work slowly for their comfort. Dental appointments are an excused absence from school and, with regular care, can be kept to a minimum.
Appointment times are reserved per patient, so please notify our office of appointment changes and cancellations within 24 hours. Another child could be scheduled if we have ample time to notify them of an open spot. We understand that unexpected situations arise and will make every effort to reschedule your child's appointment in a timely fashion.
We understand that your child's comfort is very important to you. During his/her initial examination, you are free to stay with your child throughout the process. During future appointments, our suggestion is that you allow your child to accompany our staff through their procedure. In most cases, it helps to establish a rapport with your child when you are not present. This way, we can gain your child's trust and help to keep them from feeling anxious. Although, if you choose, you are more than welcome to stay with your child during their dental experience. For safety and privacy purposes, other children who are not being treated are asked to remain in the waiting room with a supervising adult
We understand that most families are on a budget and that affordable and timely dental care is important. We make it a priority to consider your needs and budget, while still providing the best possible care for your child. Payment for all services is due at the time treatment is provided.
Please be prepared to give us your updated insurance information on the day of your scheduled appointment. Once we have all of your insurance information, we are more than happy to file your claim. It is important to know that no insurance pays 100% of all procedures. Any remaining balance after your insurance claim will be your responsibility. Within 30 days of your child's procedure, your insurance company is required to pay each claim. Any balance that might remain on your account after 30 days, will be billed to you.
The filing of insurance claims is offered as a courtesy to our patients. We cannot guarantee payment from your insurance company, but will make every effort to help you in estimating the amount they will pay. Any errors that you feel are the fault of your insurance provider should be communicated directly to them.
- Fact 1 - Insurance does not pay for the full amount of all procedures
The amount of fees that your insurance provider pays for varies depending on the type of coverage you or your employer have contracted for. Most dental plans pay somewhere between 50% and 80%. Dental insurance is meant as an aid in payment and not as a total payment solution.
- Fact 2 - Benefits are determined by your insurance provider
The amount of "allowable" fees, as set by your dental insurer, vary from company to company and from plan to plan. Some insurance companies may pay a lower rate than the actual cost of the procedure. At times they will state the the fees set by the dentist exceed the usual, customary or reasonable ("UCR") fees that are used by the insurance company. This often gives the impression that the fee you are being charged is well above the usual fees for that particular procedure. This can be both misleading and completely inaccurate.
Each insurance company sets their own allowable UCR fee. Many times these set schedules are not updated and are set with a 20% - 30% profit in mind. Unfortunately, many less expensive insurance plans have low benefits and can, at times, be surprising to the person being insured. Please look over your dental plan carefully to avoid any confusion.
- Fact 3 - Co-payments and deductibles are paid first
Deductibles and co-payments play a significant role in determining your insurance benefits. Most dental plans have at least a $50 deductible that is subtracted from the total amount of the procedure. Depending on the UCR fee (discussed above) set by your insurance company, they will pay a certain percentage of the remaining balance after the deductible. If there is a difference between what the insurance company pays and the remaining balance, it will be paid for by the patient. It is important for you to stay informed about your policy and to make sure and keep us up-to-date of any changes to your policy.
