Financial Arrangements
Our office accepts cash,
check, and credit cards, such as Master Card, Visa, and American Express.
Important Facts Regarding Dental Insurance
These days, over 33 million people have insurance plans. Since dental
insurance is a major benefit in many large companies, it is playing
a more central
role how people receive dental treatment.
We strongly feel that our patients deserve the best possible dental
care, regardless of their insurance benefits. In an effort to maintain
this high
quality care, we would like to share some facts with you about dental
insurance and how it works.
FACT #1
Dental insurance is meant to help you pay for your dental care. Although
many of our patients believe their plan will pay up to 80%, even 100%
of their dental fees, our research indicates that most plans cover only
40%
to 50% of an average fee.
If you get your insurance from your employer, what your plan covers
is determined by the insurance company and how much your employer paid
for
the plan. All insurance companies are different, so some plans may pay
more for a particular procedure while others pay less. The best way to
know what your insurance company covers is to read your insurance policy.
FACT #2
Sometimes, insurance companies tell their clients that certain dental
fees are "above the usual and customary" or UCR, rather than
tell them that the insurance benefits are too low.
We know that most insurance companies do not upgrade fee schedules,
even with the cost of living index. Dental insurance in the 1960's paid
out
an average of $1,000 of dental benefits per year. Today, more than 40
years later, the average is still $1,000.
Again, the best way to know what fees are covered is to review your
insurance policy.
FACT #3
Many routine and recommended dental services are not covered by insurance
carriers. In fact, some preventive procedures are not covered at all.
There are a number of clauses insurance companies use, such as pre-existing
conditions
and alternate benefits, to restrict payment. That’s why we recommend
that you read your insurance policy so that you are fully aware of any
limitations.
As your dental professionals, we are happy to help you sort through
any confusing issues related to your dental insurance. We will also fill
out the forms and submit the claims as a service to you. You can ask
us about
our fees and policies during your visit or call us during office hours
at 212-255-5330 or 718-375-8933.
We submit your claim to your insurance company after each visit. You
are responsible for the total fee. This includes amounts not covered
by your
insurance.
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