Our primary responsibility is to serve the dental needs of
our patients. We wish to spend our time and energy practicing
dentistry and want to avoid misunderstandings regarding payment
of these services. We offer these methods of payment
PAYMENT OPTIONS
Plan A: Payment In Full at the time of service. Payment
made by cash or check at the time of service that maintains
a zero account balance will receive a 5% discount. By paying
at each visit you enable us to reduce our bookkeeping expense
and we pass this savings along to you. To help our SENIOR
CITIZENS (those over 65 years of age) a 5% fee reduction
is given on all services. An additional 2% cash discount will
be given for the payment at the time of service when maintaining
a zero account balance. This lessens the need to mail statement
so we pass the savings on to you. Patients subject to reduced
fees under certain insurance and capitation programs are not
eligible for these discounts.
Plan B: Extended Term Financing/Open Account. Any of
the above plan combinations with the addition of the ability
to charge to the account when necessary. Monthly payment plans
may be available to qualified patients. Qualification is determined
by accessing your CONSUMER CREDIT REPORT. If the information
contained in the report contains no adverse credit activity,
you may be eligible for financing. A down payment is required
(the amount is based on the total amount being financed) and
regular monthly payments will be established with our Accounting
Department prior to treatment. A monthly service charge of
1.5% (minimum of $.50) is applied to any balance over 30 days
old.
Dental insurance coverage has become common over the
past twenty years. We feel it is important for you to understand
our policy regarding dental insurance.
Dental Center is a contract provider for Blue Cross and
Blue Shield and Delta Dental. We will process claims for
all commercial insurance carriers.
Dental insurance helps many patients afford optimum dental
health care. Dental benefit plans are provided by employers,
unions, and associations and may vary considerably from one
plan to the next. Most dental plans have a maximum yearly
benefit; this can vary from $500 per year to $2,500. Plan
benefits vary depending on the type of service from no coverage
to 100%. These percentages are usually paid on a reimbursement
level established by the insurance company. NOT NECESSARILY
THE CHARGED FEE. Some plans have limitations or waiting periods
on certain services. Careful review of your insurance company's
provision or predetermination of your treatment is recommended
if it is necessary for you to know you're out of pocket expense
prior to committing to the service.
Dental Center's fee schedule is based on the overhead
involved in operating our practice and the time required to
complete the dental procedure. Insurance companies may suggest
alternate treatment requiring less expensive procedures be
performed. Compromise in recommended treatment, in order to
fit within insurance policy limitations, may not be in your
best interest. Your insurance company is not interested in
you as an individual. Their concern is the number of policies
sold and the amount of benefits paid. The treatment plan presented
to you is based upon your dentist's professional judgment.
You and your dentist may need to make decisions regarding
the best method to restore and/or maintain your dental health.
Insurance benefits are estimated in our office based
upon information obtained from you, your insurance company
and our prior claim experience. We make every effort to have
as up to date information as possible. We file your claims
on a daily basis and make every effort to make sure you receive
the benefits of your contract. Please refer to our credit
policy for information on how the portion not covered by insurance
can be paid.
