How fees work
What a visit costs depends on your plan, your treatment and your dentist's exam. Here is how we handle each part, and what you can ask us to put in writing.
Insurance we work with
Many of our patients have a PPO dental plan, and we file their claims. Whether we are in network depends on the plan, and we tell you before you book.
PPO plans: we file the claim
DHMO plans: call us, because they work differently
Medicare and Medicare Advantage: dental coverage varies, so ask us
Medicaid and CHIP: call us and we will answer plainly
If you pay yourself
Without insurance you pay the fee for your visit, and we tell you what it will be before treatment starts. Financing is offered by third-party lenders. Approval and terms are set by the lender.
Receipts for reimbursement
If you pay us and your plan reimburses you, we give you an itemized statement to send to the plan. The plan decides what it pays.
An estimate in advance
We give a written estimate in advance to anyone paying without insurance, and to anyone else who asks. It lists the treatment, the number of visits and the fee.
Ask when you book or at your visit
In writing, before treatment starts
Checking your benefits
Before your first visit our front desk checks your plan's benefits and tells you what the plan says it covers. A plan's figures are the plan's, so we show you both.
What the first visit includes
Your dentist examines your teeth and gums, takes X-rays if they decide you need them and explains what they found. Bring your insurance card, a photo ID and a list of your medicines.
An exam, and X-rays your dentist decides on
A written plan with your options
Time for your questions
An estimate shows what we expect to bill. Your plan's final payment can differ, and we explain any difference before you pay.
Questions about paying
How do I get a written estimate?
Ask when you book or at your visit. After your exam the dentist lists the treatment, the visits it takes and the fee, and our front desk goes through your benefits with you.
What if my plan pays less than the estimate?
A plan's figures are the plan's, not ours. If its final payment differs from what it estimated, we explain the difference before you pay and go over your options.
Do you offer financing?
Financing is offered by third-party lenders. Approval and terms are set by the lender. Ask the front desk for the lender's own terms before you decide.
Ask for a written estimate
Tell us what you need and how you plan to pay. We will tell you what to expect before you book.