1 star
I'm writing…read morethis carefully, because I want anyone reading it to understand this isn't a rant -- it's a timeline.
Before I ever came in, I called the office and asked directly: will this visit cost me anything? I was told no. Then at the front desk, I asked again -- and asked specifically whether they had verified my insurance. They said yes, verified, no cost to me. Two separate confirmations, two separate conversations.
Weeks later, a $125 bill arrived. When I called to question it, I was first offered a "courtesy discount." Then, suddenly, the story changed: oh, actually, insurance covered a portion -- you only owe $25. Read that again. The bill went from $125 to $25 only because I called. So which is it? Either they never actually verified my insurance before billing me -- meaning the "yes, it's verified" I got twice was false -- or they sent me an inflated bill and hoped I'd just pay it. There is no third option, and neither one is a "mistake."
When I pointed out I was told there'd be no cost at all, the answer became "we don't guarantee insurance coverage." Then why did your staff guarantee it -- on the phone AND in person? Nobody said "we can't promise coverage" either time I asked. That disclaimer only appeared after the bill did. A policy you invent after the fact isn't a policy. It's a cover story.
To be clear: this is not about $25. I can afford $25. This is about an office that told me one thing twice, billed me five times that amount, and only corrected it under pressure. If I hadn't called, they'd have my $125. How many patients just pay?
And it fits the pattern of the entire visit, which was one long sales pitch. I was told I needed gingivitis therapy, antibiotics, AND a deep cleaning at premium prices. They pushed a CT scan, which I declined -- thank God, given what their billing looks like. They even tried to sell me Invisalign, which I never asked about. So I got a second opinion: another dentist told me the antibiotics were not necessary and quoted the deep cleaning at a fraction of the price. The treatment plan wasn't built around my teeth. It was built around my wallet.
The front staff is polite -- I'll give them that. But polite is what a sales operation is supposed to be. I've been to Aspen Dental, and at least Aspen never told me twice a visit was covered, billed me $125, and then "discovered" it was $25 when I complained. This is the first dental office I've ever ranked below Aspen Dental. Let that sink in.
I've since switched to Bay Premier Dentistry: honest pricing quoted upfront, no surprise bills, excellent work, zero sales pressure. Night and day. What happened at this office isn't "just how dentistry is" -- it's a choice this office makes.
To be honest, I wouldn't go to this dentist at all. But if you come here anyway: get every cost in writing before sitting in the chair -- verbal assurances from this office meant nothing for me, twice. Check every bill they send against your insurance's explanation of benefits, because mine was five times what it should have been. Decline anything you didn't come in for, and get a second opinion on any treatment plan.
I am reporting this to my insurance company. Not for the $25 -- for the next patient. I understand people are in different financial situations, and I don't want someone getting screwed who can't afford it. A surprise $125 bill built on false assurances could really hurt the wrong person. Shame on them.
