Unprofessional surprise billing over a year later, plus more demands just a month after cleanings - avoid Dr. Latinos' office at all costs!
I paid this office thousands out of pocket over a year ago for front crowns, based on their quoted treatment plan. I swiped my card and paid exactly what they said was due at the time, trusting they'd handled everything correctly with Delta Dental.
Over a year later, they suddenly demand another $300-$400+ as a "past due" balance. They now claim the office is out of network (news to me after the fact) and apparently the crowns weren't covered because they weren't deemed "medically necessary."
And now, just a month after my wife and I had our routine cleanings, they're once again claiming they need more money from us, saying insurance didn't cover the full fees and we're on the hook for the difference. This dentist office seems to be unable to confirm and/or quote insurance coverage properly, leading to repeated surprise billing long after services are completed.
At the cleaning appointment, I did agree to a $100/month payment plan in the moment--but only because I was in a rush, late for a work meeting, and not thinking clearly. That's on me for not asking more questions right then and assuming the payments were being processed smoothly since I provided my card info. It never crossed my mind that anything was wrong until today, when they abruptly told me they were holding all future appointments and care hostage until these disputed funds were paid. That's when I started questioning everything and asked for invoices clearly showing and explaining why extra payment was even needed.
Instead of sending the simple documentation I requested, I got a lengthy, argumentative, defensive wall of text lecturing me about miscommunication, defending their "courtesy" payment plans, stating they are not a financial institution and don't have to help customers, blaming me, and telling me to find another dentist if I think they're unprofessional. (which I am already doing)
This is terrible customer service. Zero accountability for how they handled insurance or claims, no simple documentation when requested, and repeatedly hitting patients with surprise bills (over a year for crowns, and now again just a month after cleanings). Holding future appointments and care hostage over a disputed amount from over a year ago is unacceptable. If coverage issues or out-of-network problems exist, that's something to resolve upfront or explain properly--not spring on patients with attitude after the fact.
I trusted them with major cosmetic/restorative work and routine care, and now I feel nickel-and-dimed with no transparency. Honest dentists communicate costs clearly, verify insurance accurately beforehand, provide records on request, and don't get combative when questioned. Save yourself the frustration and repeated billing surprises--choose a different provider for straightforward, professional care.
Would give 0 stars if possible! read more
