My long-time dentist sold his practice, and the new owner was not on my dental plan. I researched for weeks before choosing Kiene Dental Group, which had good reviews and was close to home. My first cleaning with Dr Howe was in Nov of 2023. I was pleased with his work and that of the dental hygienist. I had subsequent work done in Nov. and Dec. 2023. At the end of each visit, they calculated the amount I would owe after my dental insurance paid their portion, and I paid that amount in full. This is the first time in my life (70+ yrs) I have ever been asked to pay before the insurance has paid, but I figured times change. Then in Feb. 2024, when I received the Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from my dental insurance, I was surprised to see that the amount they calculated I owe after their payment was far less than what I paid. I overpaid $352.55 to be exact! How can the calculations from the dental office be so far off when this is what they do on a daily basis?
I called Kiene Dental and asked them to check into the matter. Several calls later and little response, I finally asked to speak with the account manager. Kristy (Kerstin) said she would investigate the matter, but eventually decided she would only communicate with me in the future through email. That was April 4th. I straightened out one problem with billing they could have easily solved by simply making a phone call. I sent Kristy copies of EOB and payment she requested several times, to no avail. I have not received any communication or explanation from her since, nor have I received my overpayment of $352.55.
I called my dental insurance, explained the situation, and sent them the same paperwork to look at to make sure I wasn't mistaken. They assured me Keine Dental had overcharged me. The agent and I placed a 3-way call to Kristy twice, but she never answered or returned the messages left by the agent. At my last cleaning in Dec. 2024 (I only went because I know my insurance pays for cleanings in full), I told the hygienist and Dr. Howe why I would not be back and explained why. They both said they had no knowledge of anything to do with the accounts. That part I understand, but the calmness and lack of concern over the situation was a bit surprising. Dr. Howe said he would gladly send my dental records to my new dentist and would pass along the reason for my departure, I assumed to someone in charge. If he followed through, that too has elicited no response.
So, I will be looking for a new dentist. In the future, I plan to pay only a portion of the full amount up front. My advice: if you use dental insurance at Kiene Dental Group don't pay the full amount they request, because if you overpay you probably won't get your money back. read more