Almost 8 months to do the right procedure
On 08/15/2020 - I had an appointment for a routine cleaning. They do the cleaning, but suggest that I need to get a deep cleaning on schedule. They informed me they would call my insurance to get a prior authorization done for this and give me a call back to schedule the deep cleaning. Meanwhile, they tell the front desk to set a tentative date (02/20/2021)
On 02/20/2021 - I show up for the appointment. This is on me, I haven't heard from them about the deep cleaning, I assumed I would find out more at the appointment or maybe this was the deep cleaning since I was already on the schedule. WRONG... they tell me that they can't do any regular cleaning and that I needed a deep cleaning and need prior authorization. I mentioned to them that at the last appointment, they mentioned they were getting the prior authorization and I thought that this is what the appointment would be in place for. They said no. They send me to the front desk, telling the admin to get the prior authorization and put a note to contact me when it comes through.
03/03/2021 - I haven't heard from the office, so I decide to give them a call and check the update. I told the person on the phone the issue. Asked if the prior authorization was approved and if I can schedule my appointment for the deep cleaning. They sounded confused, asked who I spoke to about this. I had to go through the whole story again how at the last appointment they told me they were going to get a prior authorization for my deep cleaning. The person on the phone said there was no note of this, but they can make a note and get back to me on it.
03/18/2021 - It has been over almost a month... I called again. Asked if the prior authorization came through... They said they had not heard from them yet. End of call.
03/22/2021 - I finally decide to call my insurance company to see what is causing the delay. Maybe they're backed up due to covid related issues. Insurance company informs me that the request wasn't submitted until 03/09/2021, and it was approved on 03/14/2021. This means it was approved by the time I called the week before. I call Chantilly Dental right away and explain to them that the insurance company said it has been approved and if they could check their system. They said they'll call me back. Calls back later and tells me it has in fact been approved and they never received any correspondence regarding it. Insurance company has assured me that they sent back the approved request. Anyway, I schedule my 2 appointments needed and go on about my day.
03/29/2021 - Staff member calls me telling me that prior authorization has been approved and I can schedule my appointments. I'm confused because I am already scheduled for the procedure. They check the system and tell me they see it now. I don't know why they didn't check prior to calling me and making me think my appointments are cancelled.
04/03/2021 - Before the Peridontal Cleaning, I requested if I could do it without the anesthesia because I have had it done at my former dental office. They said ok. Went along with the process. After the process was completed, the Hygenist then mentions that I should get the anesthesia for a deeper cleaning next time because they did an altered version. I don't understand why they didn't consult me prior. Im not a dental expert. I didn't know. I asked since my former dentist was able to do a deep cleaning without it. It's just frustrating that the consult came AFTER they finished and not before.
04/10/2021 - This is my second appointment. Nothing crazy, but it is my last visit to this office. Both times they charged me my copay + extra $10 Office visit. I have never heard of this before. It usually is just the copay. I feel like they just added an extra charge to get more money. I'm sorry, but after all this, I just need to find another office.
Summary, I don't know if there's miscommunication between staff or notes aren't followed through, but Prior authorization wasn't submitted for almost 3 weeks... and they never followed up on it. I felt like if I never called the insurance company, they would have never scheduled me or reach back out. Fairly unprofessional in my opinion. Also, there is a lot of disconnect and confusion. Just overall very frustrating.
To be fair, prior encounters weren't bad. Basic stuff where they explain everything to you. Just feel a bit lost in the system after this one experience.
I've had a few procedures done before and it seemed efficient. Just this prior authorization stuff for other procedures, you're probably better off elsewhere if you don't want to wait around. read more