My family paid $285 to hear a sales pitch for a $17,000 TMJ procedure that 99% of insurance companies would never cover. Everyone in this field knows this fact. Unfortunately, I researched this too late. We would not have scheduled a meeting if we knew ahead of time what our costs would be, which is why I guess we were not fully informed. If your family has no concerns about maintaining a monthly budget, then you'll be fine.
In early 2016, our new family dentist felt that it was critical we meet with Gallagher to discuss a TMJ issue with our daughter. She insisted that both my wife and I be present at this meeting. She was very serious about this point, causing us concern that our daughter's immediate health was at risk. So we booked the appointment. We received an email from Gallagher which stated, "The consultation fee is $285. Please bring your medical insurance card so I can make a copy and submit the claim to your medical insurance as a courtesy. After the claim is processed if any amount is covered the payment will be sent directly to you." Sounds like the fee will be covered, at least some of it, right? We made the drive to the meeting in two separate cars, my wife from her job--she had to take the afternoon off with no pay--and I from Wimberley, a 2+ hour round trip. At the consult, x-rays were taken (why not use the pictures that were just taken at dentist?) Gallagher said that there were some issues, but they could wait at least a year(!) to do something. No emergency. So why did both of us need to be there? We believe that our now-former dentist insisted on our attendance so we could both be in the room for a sales pitch for a very expensive out-of-pocket procedure (did Gallagher train her to do it this way? Was a referral fee involved?) Any sales trainer will tell you your chances of getting a "yes" in the room increases when all the decision makers are present for the pitch. Sales 101. And pitched he did, frequently trumpeting his "superior" talents vs. his peers. At the end of the pitch, he presents my daughter a thumb drive with the unnecessary x-rays (I start to think now, "He's handing out office supplies--I bet this procedure is going to be expensive,") and then he leaves the room. He walks right out! Wait--why are you leaving? Are you not going to state the cost? No, that was office clerk's role in this heavily orchestrated sales pitch. $17,000! And it would have to be paid by us UPFRONT. "No problem--let me just reach into my stainless steel briefcase here...are $50s ok?" She couldn't even look us in the eye when she stated that figure--that should tell you something. Heck, when she insisted we pay the $285 "consult" charge that day she had to look away when she said "$285." (I wanted to be billed, but she insisted to be paid right then, stating "We'll submit it to your insurance for reimbursement." She knew there would be no reimbursement--her job was to get our money right then and get us out the door.) At no time did anyone, not our former dentist, not Gallagher, not the office clerk, mention the fact that insurance declines reimbursement for TMJ-related costs 99% of the time. Doesn't that sound negligent not to inform the patient of this fact? Scammy even?
I called Gallagher directly after learning our insurance would not reimburse any part of the $285 sales pitch fee. I requested a refund of some amount, but he fell back to his sales pitch, reiterating his superior worth/value in comparison to his peers. I politely asked again for a refund and he became annoyed, but he did state he would look into it and call me back. Six business days passed with no response. I sent a certified letter. No response. I asked the referring dentist to reach out to him on my behalf. She sincerely said she would. I never heard back from her. I called her office numerous times and left messages. No response. Now what does that tell you? Doesn't this sound like some sort of scam to you? After being out $285 + 120 driving miles + and a half day's pay, it definitely feels that way to this family. read more
