My son and I had our initial appointment with this dentist about 6 months ago. All went fine. I have private extras cover and my son had the government $1000 for 2 years.
We booked our next dental appointment for this past month - and upon arriving was rudely received. I Sat down and read on the wall a poster which spoke of the child dental coverage through Medicare (which I use for my son). My circumstances/income had recently changed so it got me thinking if he is still eligible. The sign stated 'ask us today for a free eligibility check'. I then went to the rude receptionist asking if she can double check my sons eligibility. She said 'no' and that I have to call Medicare myself. Knowing that my son was about to get dental work done, and the wait times with calling Medicare I asked her to simply check herself. Obviously I was fearful that for some reason he would no longer be eligible and I would have to pay (as a single parent on a low budget I could not - so I was trying to be responsible and check before hand) She refused. I told her I did not 'check' the last time I came. I told her- 'let's say I did not just come up to ask, would you then have to check to bill through Medicare afterwards?' She said YES, but that she doesn't have my Medicare card. I told her I would happily supply it for her - but she refused again. She tried to tell me it is on me to bring a letter (which I did not do the first time). I told her that if that is the policy it would be in his file. There was no letter so she then insisted I had to call Medicare myself to check, even though their own poster stated that THEY would do a 'free' check... I eventually walked out not following through with my son or my own dental appointment. I later (after 40 minutes on hold) found out my son IS eligible.
Such a drama over a service they state they will do on their own branded poster within their own dental office... will not be going back and will share this experience of all my family groups through social media. read more
