My husband recently brought our two boys to the dentist...the 3 year old had his teeth cleaned and the 2 1/2 year old got a ride up and down in the chair one time. We have dental ins. and when I recieved the claim statement they billed our insurance company for a periodic oral evaluation/ my dentist terms this a "check" where they basically look in his mouth to see if everthing looks good. Neither the dentist or hygenist ever even looked in his mouth. They did give him a toothbrush. Is it common to be billed for a simple ride in the chair?? When I called and spoke to the receptionist she insisted that it was a "check" but my husband who was there states otherwise.
One child was scheduled for a cleaning while the other, "a ride in the chair". That was the term they used when calling to confirm my appt. Just seems crazy to be billed for it. We were billed once when we had an appt. for a cleaning and my son refused to open his mouth...that I understand because it was an appt. but a 2-second ride up and down in the chair??
Ask to see the notes from the visit. If they did an exam, they took notes. No notes, no payment. And don't let them tell you you're not entitled to see the notes. Medical records belong to the patient, not the doctor!
If he had an appointment, then yes you would be billed. It doesn't matter "what happened" during that block of time- if he was scheduled for a "ride in the chair", then you will be billed for it! If he did not have an appointment (in his own name), then I would question it further. My guess is that both boys had their names on the schedule therefore, two appointments, therefor two bills.
That appears to be overstated to me. My son had a visit with my husband and I - and they checked his teeth only and didn't bill that.
If the child was on the schedule or not, shouldn't make a difference - it's a false claim, the work they are claiming to be done - WAS NOT DONE. He was not examined - therefore, there should be no charges sent to your insurance carrier. Regardless if you have insurance or not. I would give the dentist one more call back and try to speak with him directly. If that fails - go to the insurance company - and let them deny the claim. Be careful - if the doctor says he charged correctly - you will be responsible for the charges however.
I would switch dentists. They are running up your insurance. It is early in the year and they will cause you to run out of dental insurance for the year. If they found no problem billing you for a seat in the chair, I could imagine what they do when they stick a mirror in there.
I would ask to talk to the hygienist or dentist and ask for a written report of what was done. They had to have made notes.
But if the one who had the ride in the chair was scheduled to take that ride then it was an appointment. If he asked if he could take a ride while he was there then it was not an appointment.
If this dentist is just trying to help the boy get used to being there and feel less intimidated then I think he sounds like a great guy. That is not something that most would do, they would be too busy.
I would write an email to the dentist or talk to him directly. When we took our oldest and youngest in and my youngest did allow the dentist to look at her teeth VERY briefly, but would not let them get cleaned. He did not bill us for it.
I think its a little absurd that they billed you for letting your son sit in the chair.
We went to a pediatric dentist and the first visit there is free where they just do a quick check to make sure teeth are coming in properly and enamel and all looks good. I guess it is basically like a "ride in the chair." After that visit they charge, clean and paint a flouride treatment on their teeth. I agree though that if he was on the schedule for an appt then they can bill for an appt. If it was his first appt you probably should have clarified what they were going to do upfront. At 2 1/2 I am surprised they didn't do a cleaning?
i would ask to speak to the actual dentist and no it is not regular to be billed for a ride up and down in the chair. if the child was absolutely not even asked "can I see your teeth open up wide"
Contact your insurance company & let them know you think it's an "over-stated" claim. Let them follow up with the dentist.
I would change dentists. There was no check involved and it is bordering on fraud to bill the insurance company for it. And they are screwing YOU because you can't take him for a checkup now for 6 more months.
Find another dentist.
Dawn
My son went to the hospital for pnuemonia. He ws there 7 or 8 days. I was in the room when the nurse came in to give him a shot. She opened the plastic "bag" that the syrenge was in. Then she looked at the chart and foud that another nurse came in just before she arrived and gave him the shot.
She asked my son how he was feeling and let him play with the syrenge (no needle). When we got the bill from the hospital, she had billed us for $300 for the syrenge. I contacted the hospital and explained what happened. They took off the $300.
I would recommend you talk to the dentist and look at your son's chart. Then ask for the charges to be removed if you still feel strongly about. Remember, you get more flies with honey than with vinegar.
Good luck to you and yours.
Perhaps you shouldn't do anything until YOU actually get a bill. Then address it directly. Good luck.
