We had heard such good things about Brushin' on Belmont from other parents, so when our insurance changed, and we were looking for a new dentist, we gave it a try. For a few years, things were great. Kids liked their dentist, scheduling was easy, appointments ran on time, and the location was convenient. Until our insurance changed again. I informed the office of the change, but after that next bill, we realized how little our new policy would actually cover. We really liked the practice though, so we decided to stay. When it was my 19 year old's turn for a visit, he declined the X-rays due to cost. He was met with resistance though and told yearly X-rays are standard and covered by insurance. When he replied that we had to pay for his brother's and didn't want them, the office apparently called the insurance company and came back to him saying it was 100% covered, so he eventually agreed. Long story short, my son felt pressured to have the X-rays done, and now we are stuck paying the bill.
When I called later, I was told if he didn't want the X-rays, he should have signed a refusal form, but he was never offered one "because he agreed" -- yes, after he said no and then was led to believe they would be fully covered. Two things: The ADA does not specify X-rays are needed every 12 months, so why make declining them difficult by requiring a refusal form? And secondly, when I called the insurance company, they told me the office would definitely have known they were out-of-network and "100% coverage" would only apply to the small allowable amount designated by the insurance company. Furthermore, we were charged more for these X-rays than his brother's who apparently did not have the full set completed (which we never knew until I inquired about the difference in charges).
At the end of the day, I realize this is a business, and whether it's the patient or insurance company who pays makes little difference to them. If you are the parent though of a young adult who has started to go to doctor visits solo, I would just proceed carefully here. Removing 3 stars for insisting my son have X-rays done after he declined them and for lack of transparency on charges -- and we're not talking a few bucks. Fortunately, at our new dentist's office, they print up estimated costs to review with clients before proceeding with x-rays and procedures, so no surprises ever. It can be done! read more