How fees work
Cosmetic work and everyday care are billed differently. Here is how each part works, and what we put in writing before you decide.
Insurance we work with
We file claims for PPO and indemnity dental plans. Whether we are in network depends on your plan, and we tell you before your visit.
PPO and indemnity plans: we file the claim
DHMO plans: call us, they work differently
Medicare and Medicare Advantage: call us, dental coverage varies
Medicaid and CHIP: call us and we'll answer plainly
Cosmetic treatment: ask first, many plans pay little or nothing
If you pay yourself
Without insurance you pay the fee for your visit, and we give you that fee in writing 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 your plan. Your plan decides what it pays.
An estimate in advance
We give a written estimate in advance to anyone paying without insurance, and to anyone who asks. It lists the treatment, the visits it takes and what it will cost.
Ask when you book or at your consult
In writing, before treatment starts
Checking your benefits
Before your first visit our front desk looks up 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
A new-patient visit takes about an hour: an exam, X-rays if your dentist decides you need them, and a talk about your goals. Bring your insurance card, a photo ID and a list of your medicines.
An exam and the X-rays your dentist decides on
A written plan with your options
Time for your questions
An estimate is our written account of 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 consult. After your exam your dentist lists the treatment, the visits it takes and what it will cost, and Daniela 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 we expected, 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 are thinking about and how you plan to pay. We'll tell you what to expect before you book.