We took our young sons to Dr. Pappas' office after researching local pediatric dentists that accept our insurance. Initially, we brought our boys in for routine cleanings where we had to pay standard copays. I did notice they copay was higher than the usual fee from previous pediatric dentists but figured insurance policies may have changed. I didn't think to look into it at the time.
All of this changed during one visit when. Dr. Pappas decided to fill two of my sons baby teeth. This was something that was done without a thorough discussion with me regarding the reasons why she felt it was necessary. She went ahead and did the fillings and only after doing the work did she take X-rays and show me what she had done. At no point did she ask my permission to fill the "baby teeth". Not being a dentist, I assumed she was doing the proper thing for my son. I really felt uncomfortable about the situation. It had been done, so I collected my son and went to pay the copay. At this point the receptionist said there is no co-pay today. We will bill the insurance and will let us know what the balance will be. Approximately a month later I received a bill from Dr. Pappas' office asking for payment for approx.$150.00. This is when I decided to call my insurance and get the correct fees. First I was told this doctor is NOT a participant with my insurance. The proper copay for the fillings were $15.00 per tooth. I immediately called Dr. Pappas' office and went over the problem with the receptionist. Unable to help with the problem, she handed the phone over to Dr.Pappas. Let me be clear, there are two Dr Pappas' practicing at that office. It's a mother /daughter team. The daughter is the one who filled the teeth. The mother is the one I spoke to regarding the billing. She then said that they accept our insurance , but are NOT participants in our insurance network.
I told her that this was absolutely not what I was told when I initially came in for the first visit. I was told that they accept and fully participate in the UFT Welfare Fund,which is our insurance. I offered to pay the proper copays, but was rebuffed and told I had to pay the full amount. I refused.
In hindsight I should have reported this earlier, but nearly two years later I am still receiving collection notices and calls on a weekly basis. This has compelled me to report this issue to ADA and OPD.
Finally, in casually discussing the situation with friends and colleagues in our north Queens community, I have found that this office is notorious for giving misinformation regarding insurance to lure in unsuspecting patients. The old "bait and switch". read more