Procedure
Needed to get 2 wisdom teeth removed, so decided to find an oral surgeon nearby... figured it would be better to be close to home to let the novocaine wear off. Located this oral surgeon through my medical and dental insurance carrier search, and went in for an initial visit.
Building and Office
Odd retro building on the corner of Schaumburg and Plum Grove, the waiting area is ridiculously small, guessing about 10'x10' and in sharp contrast to the spacious and well-appointed interior past the entrance area door. Trust me, it was so tiny and crowded, when I walked in, I considered walking out. Counterintuitive to me.
Desk Staff
Not sure if they normally didn't have many patients with insurance, but when I handed over my dental and medical insurance cards, the one person didn't understand that in oral surgery, medical can cover expenses in addition to the dental.
Also didn't understand what a FSA card was... and said they could not accept it, until I looked at her oddly, and someone else stepped in and covered for her.
Treatment Plan & Billing
None given. No prescription antibiotics to prep or pain meds or an oral rinse... just a quick review of what they charged for extractions of wisdom teeth ($358 per tooth - almost 3x what is normal)... and what Metlife knocked them down to... which is standard at about $150 or so, and they mis-calculated it to state that it would be covered at 90%, in actuality it is considered major surgery and only 50% is covered. Means I would be paying over $100 more later, but they quoted me as a low $31.00 due on the day of surgery.... which they made me pay UPFRONT.
Demonstrated the level of clientele and trust - in my opinion.
Examination and Follow-up (Day of Extractions)
Waited almost 2 hours past my appointment time while watching all sorts of people arrive and go in and then leave. I had multiple appointments that day (taken off from work) and decided to leave. THAT was when I was escorted into an office, sat some more in a chair... and then Dr. Bialy hurriedly came in, and despite my panoramic film being up on the large flat screen, managed to hit 2 nerves with the novocaine needle, making one eye and arm go numb.
Last straw... I told her I had to be in Oswego by 2:30 and since it was now 2 hours past my appointment time (12 noon), I would have to reschedule. Her response? She apologized, and said that she was fast.
Yeah... JUST how I want oral surgery done, super quickly... when your face can be permanently damaged by hitting a nerve in the upper mouth... sure, novocaine wears off, but drilling or cutting into the same area, hmm... don't think so.
KICKER - two weeks later, they try to charge me for an exam ($100) for the initial free consult regarding this wisdom teeth removal. read more