I can't recommend Cal Young Periodontics Center. If you need any sort of perio work done that requires slightly complex billing, find someone else.
My dentist referred me to Cal Young Perio due to an under the gum line cavity that was inaccessible without having my gums lifted and bone shaved. Dr. Harper recommended a gingival flap surgery to access the area. The nurse taking notes in office asked the doctor to confirm if this was the right procedure. I should've taken this as a bad sign. I later found out the procedure I likely needed to be performed and billed was a crown lengthening procedure. Same results, different procedure. Why he chose the procedure he did, I'm not sure. He's not too informative in office.
Either way, the surgery and recovery went well. Once healed, weeks later, I returned to my dentist to have my cavity filled and was informed none of my records were sent back to them. My dentist had to contact Cal Young while filling my cavity, which ended out being pretty awkward, while I was in his chair.
Unfortunately, dealing with billing is like pulling teeth. While I understand that insurance companies can be a pain, my insurance company mentioned that the procedure was incorrectly billed and they advised me to have Cal Young Perio's billing rep to call in and discuss codes. When I contacted them about this issue on 12/16 over the phone and I was informed that: 1. Dr. Harper was not likely to change his notes and 2. they'd call the insurance company and call me back.
Cue radio silence for over a month when I received yet another bill from them. When I called my insurance on 1/26, they confirmed that Cal Young hadn't contacted them (which makes sense, considering the quality of communication I've received). When I contacted Cal Young again, I was informed that they forgot to contact my insurance (not at all reassuring). On 1/27, I was informed that they spoke with my insurance, but that they would not rebill and appealing was not an option, since the procedure was not framed as one done to access the cavity, but as one to aid with gum pocket reduction (which it was not).
Unfortunately, I don't think there's much to do. I'll pay the $800+ and be okay with the fact I should've researched better and found a perio that would try to bill the right procedure with supporting documentation correctly. As a person who's had a lot of dental procedures done, due to an accident, this has been the worst experience I've had with a dentist, even during my time in the military.
There's other perios in town. Give them a try! read more
