Dec 1, I had an appointment for a teeth cleaning at Aspen Dental, Pocatello ID. Dental assistance started taking X-rays of my teeth; more than ever before at one time at any other dentist. AT NO TIME during these X-rays was I informed that the insurance company would not cover the costs; nor was I given a number that would require out of pocket expense for these X-rays.
I have been going to dentists twice a year for more years than I care to remember (I am 72) and I have ALWAYS been informed what the costs of any procedures that was not covered by insurance would cost me.
Later they performed a 3D of my mouth, not sure why, they just did it. They are supposed to be the experts in this; therefore, I just followed along. At no time did they say there was any out-of-pocket costs for this procedure! And I am stressing the fact, I WAS NEVER INFORMED that there would be an out of pocket expense related to these procedures. So I assumed, they had contacted my insurance, and I had provided that information when I made the appointment back in Nov. 2019.
I was asked if I wanted a cancer checkup done, and I WAS INFORMED THAT THE INSURANCE WOULD NOT COVER THIS CANCER SCREENING AND IT WOULD COST $30.00. I accepted.
Dentist then appeared, looked at the X-rays, my teeth and quickly informed me I need to have a crown replacement and a cavity filled.
To be honest, I never felt relaxed in the atmosphere of this dental clinic. Therefore, I was probably not going to make another appointment and move on to another dentist.
January 2 or 3, I received a bill from Aspen Dental for $30.00 for the cancer screening. On January 4, I mailed a check for $30.00. The check was deposited and paid by my bank a few days later.
A few weeks later (exact date unknown) I received a bill for $80.00+ and I called and talked with the office manager. I explained the situation, that I was NEVER informed the x-rays or 3D rendering would cost me out of pocket and I assumed the insurance would pay for these procedures. Stating to her that I have always been informed if insurance would cover not cover a procedures or X-ray or what they would cover and what I would have to pay.
The manager understood my reasoning, or at least she stated that, and then told me that she would cancel the amount due. And if I received one or two more bills in the mail, to disregard them cause it can take a month or two to get them stopped (not really that unusual).
However at that time, I decided to find another dentist. I DID appreciate the manager voiding out the bill; however, I DID NOT like the idea of even receiving it and that their failure to inform me of what out of pocket expenses I would be required to pay. And as stated, I never felt comfortable at Aspen Dental. Or should I say as comfortable as you can be when someone is probing around in your mouth.
In February, I went to another dentist, made the appointment via the phone, the lady took my insurance info, and a few weeks later went in for the appointment. The dental assistance explained to me; without me even asking, what x-rays the insurance company would pay for and proceeded to take those x-rays.
She CLEANED my teeth, the dentist came in, spent time looking over the X-rays and asked me some questions, then told me everything looked OK. No dental procedures needed, and naturally, suggested another appointment in six months; which was made before leaving. This was the dental type appointment I was used to over the many years.
A few weeks ago, I received a rather rough call from Aspen Dental telling me I was past due for that $80 dollar bill and the account would be sent to a collection agency. However, I called that number back and there was no answer; I tried numerous times. Not sure where that number went because it was an 800/855/877 type number (can't remember exactly what it was).
Therefore, I called the local clinic in Pocatello where I went and was answered by an automated system and I picked the option for the office management and there it rang and rang and never offered a chance to leave a message. I called back and picked the appointments option and the lady there tried to transfer me to the office and I was eventually told that the office had closed early and no one could help me.
I highly suggest people do some research via a search engine and find the history of Aspen Dental. Just search Aspen Dental-Wikipedia or other sources. read more
