Unethical practices. Don't go here.
A roadside sign offered a free initial visit. After deciding to shop for a new dentist, I decided that it would be worth taking time from work to shop a new dentist if the office visit was free. All it would cost me would be time, right? WRONG.
I called the office to confirm they still offered a free visit. The receptionist transferred me to the dentist, which I thought was great. The dentist advised me that they were a Christian practice, with employees who loved to be there...and that the initial doctor consultation and X-rays would be complimentary, but that I would pay for the first cleaning. Okay, I get that. I made an appointment.
I came into the office on the appointed day and did the ordinary paperwork...name, address, emergency contact, dental insurance, etc. I have done this with another dentist that I shopped through a Groupon deal. Okay, so we're ready to go, and I mention to the receptionist that this is my free visit.
After a long visit, the office wants to set me up for major tooth scaling (instead of a cleaning) and braces. The NEXT DAY. I told them I couldn't afford all that. I don't manage to have $6-7k in my spare change, you know? They said they offer a care plan. So, I unscheduled their follow-up plans after double checking with my Flex Plan.
THEN come to find out that they billed my insurance. Still free to me, they said. Oh yeah... EXCEPT that I pay for my insurance (that you just billed). Oh yeah, except that I needed/wanted to use that insurance-paid visit to shop an additional dentist.
SO, if you see this doctor's sign on the edge of Parker Road near Quincy, DO NOT BE FOOLED into thinking a "free initial visit" is ACTUALLY free. The receptionist told me AFTER I GOT BILLED BY INSURANCE that there is a LAW that REQUIRED them to FILE FOR INSURANCE BENEFITS. YEAH. A law...except that when I asked the doctor, he said it isn't a law, it's their policy. So the free initial visit isn't free. That's essentially what he told me. He said that they want to make sure they're covered in case of a malpractice complaint. Which sorta actually makes sense, until you realize that other doctors have honored deals in which they do a first visit free, knowing that a customer for life is WORTH the free advertising. Unless, of course, you are Dr. Braasch and his crew, in which case they only want to convince you that you need high-cost emergency services. AND FREE has TOO MANY unmentioned ASTERICKS. read more