$3,000 Misunderstanding
I lost two teeth some 30 years ago. When I inquired about a bridge, my dentist recommended that I go with implants, and he recommended this dentist to implant the base.
I called and went in for a consultation in November. I have two insurance policies, so while I was there, they called both insurance companies, and they told me the implants would be "covered completely" between the two companies.
I decided to go ahead with the procedure and had the first part done in December. If you are not familiar with implants, it is a two part procedure. The first part involves doing the actual implant, whereas they implant the foundation and the second part involves attaching the tooth to the foundation. This second part is done after the implant heals and the bone grows around the implanted base.
Well, "covered completely" ended up costing me over $3,000 out of pocket. When Dr. Amarr's office submitted the bill to the insurance companies, one of them would not cover any of the costs because the tooth was not extracted while I was under their policy.
Of course, I questioned the bill. I was told, the insurance wouldn't cover it. When I asked about being told the procedure was covered completely, they told me, "That's what we were told. Unfortunately, your insurance company won't pay it because the tooth was not extracted while you were covered under their policy, so you have to pay." Well, I was told it was covered, but I still have to pay?
I asked if they would pick up some of this on their end, but I was told again that they were told it was covered and then the insurance wouldn't pay it. In other words, "TOUGH LUCK."
If I had known that it was not covered, I would have done one tooth last year and another this year. They would not budge. Now, I am $3,000 out of pocket.
I am also wondering about the competency of this dentist to do the work. He is supposed to be a specialist in this field. My sister in Indiana also had an implant done the week after mine. She had no pain after the procedure. I was in excruciating pain for a week after the procedure. I had to leave town for a family emergency about a week after the surgery, so my son, who is a paramedic, pulled the sutures out. I had immediate relief from the pain once the sutures were removed.
Anyway, if you are ever referred to this doctor, run, don't walk away. I think he should list his services under "Used Car Sales" because that is what it is like dealing with him. I could not recommend him to touch anyone I know. read more
