Living in Truth . . .Transpersonally
| Blog |  |
June 11
This is more of a pet peeve yet still highly relevant in getting someones attention.
How do you feel about your local list of dentists in your area, if you have seen more than one, of course it makes this question easier to anser.
Since my dentist from childhood has nearly retired, I am out seeking others to give me the best oral care I deserve at a reasonable price. Well yesterday following a 'free exam that includes x-rays', ($185.oo) removed from my bill which came to almost $2100.oo with interest included; however that was not what irked me. I found in my x-rays bone loss, as they did. I knew what was in store, I am not a dumb broad. What really ruined my faith in our healthcare system, teeth care and mouth maintenance especially is the b.s. !
What made their motto "your 'quality of living' is our priority" a miserable truth--I would of had to pay $55o.oo on the spot if they were to have the dental hygeinist continue with a 'soft tissue management 2 package that had non-invasive non- surgical instruments scale the excessive plaque that has nearly cement-resembling, adhered to my teeth after an incredibly long period in between getting those teeth professionally cleaned.
But hey this clinic, (A.D. not real name just initials) in various locations throughout Northeast Ohio, have licensed idiots calling themselves 'mouth gods' and a staff of lesser educated on oral hygience but quick on expensive procedures that require a every three month visit at whatever cost--are not so concerned about bringing your true smile back unless your wallet and pride do not mind being ripped well you know, another orifice we don't need !
The audacity of this clinic to claim 'no money up front is needed but fail to tell you that if they see a problem want to fix it, you must have cash, credit approved or a check that covers a hefty price ! The 'quality of my life' immediately dropped when I learned in order for my quite operable by this procedure for peridental disease (I have bone loss and suffer from pockets between gum line and root--these collect debris no matter how well or often you brush), to be started that I was to shell out $550.oo right there.
Now I am a writer, and an unlicensed conselor for the psychological motivations inherent in the human condition but that is no excuse. I don't make enough to make my mortgage payment from that so I supplement every way I can, as most of you know here on gather i tend to do the very residual income and affiliate generation presentations all the time. But to have to have that money right then, was embarassing.
That is a huge lump of change for most people including me. I was heart-broken that this system cares so little but not so much that the particular facility kissed pharmaceutical and insurance company ass so well ! That was what bothered me and now I am seeking a third opinion; while creating a way to make my oral health more reasonable or at least fair . . .
So I ask you gatherers, how is the treatment of patient to dentist in your area ?
How is the fluoride problem in your area also ?
http://www.freewebs.com/beyond-now/earthsave.htm
recommend this
email
print
link to this page
Comments: 11
We live in rural Alaska. Our dental care here is non existent
Up front payment is the motto of most dentist around here. My own dentist began a policy that stated without 24 hour notice any canceled appointments would result in a $25 charge. Then their policy was also if you were 5 minutes late you would have to reschedule your appointment and be charged the $25 fee. I dreaded finding a new dentist so stuck with this guy. Then I had an appointment and he was running behind. I asked him if he was going to pay me $25 because my time was as valuable as his. Of course not. I decided I did not want to see him anymore. I owed him $150 and would have paid the bill off with in 45 days. I did make one payment then he turned the bill over to not one but three collection agencies while still sending me a bill himself. When money means more to you than a patient that was in your care for years than maybe it is time you looked for a new profession.
Upfront is becoming more common with dentists here too. $500 on the spot? Who could actually afford to hand that over? There might be some, but most people wouldn't have it.
I am fortunate enough right now to have health care but once that is gone I'm almost certain I will have a great opinion on it
I still see the dentist that I have since I was a little girl. He does ask for patients to pay up front, but it isn't much-$25 isn't bad for a checkup and cleaning, and of the dentists I've seen he still remains one of the few I trust.
My dentist is very, very good. We're about the same age and I've gone to him for thirty years. As his reputation has grown, his prices keep increasing exponentially. I hate to start over with someone else but that appears to be the best option.
Every dentist I have ever been to wants payment at time of service, unless you have insurance, then they will submit to insurance & bill you the remainder.
All of you that have answered seem equally 'peeved' about the 'quality of care' and how much it costs; therefore it should not be that difficult to sway the American public on how we can get a single payer healthcare system into place that gives the patient full control of their 'quality of living' regimen. Thank you everyone for answering . . .
interesting riposte, Erica.
(i like your mind.)
Up front here too. I have dental insurance, but most places make you pay then you submit your claim for reimbursement.
I had to get a new dentist after moving here to SC. I've only been there twice I think in the 8 years I've lived here. Got my teeth cleaned twice. No other problems. As I recall I paid a certain amount up front at my first visit and our insurance paid the rest. The second time I think they just billed the insurance and I paid whatever was left which as I recall was nothing. We have a well for our water so we have no flouride in it. However, we do buy those flouride rinses (ACT for one) and use them daily.