I saw Dr. Fendrich for a dental appointment after confirming with my insurance company, and his…read moreoffice, that he accepted my plan and made it clear that I would be using it.
I saw Dr. Fendrich for an exam two days later, during which time, he assessed my dental needs. He told me he would be dropping his in network participation with the insurance company in June. As a new patient, who had just been accepted into his practice, I was disappointed, but upon hearing the news, but understood and respected his position. He told me he would provide foundational services, including a cleaning, extraction, a partial denture and possibly a crown, as I need a root canal. During our conversation, he repeatedly told me that he didn't need my money, which I thought was rather peculiar. He had also gone on, at some length, about how poorly the insurance company paid, which felt a little strange.
At the end of the appointment, I asked the receptionist for a breakdown of my co-pays on the procedures we discussed, so I would know, in advance, what my fees would be. She reluctantly told me she would discuss it with Dr. Fendrich and get back to me.
I had my second appointment today, at which time I received a cleaning. During the check in process, the receptionist told me that Dr. Fendrich would meet with me to discuss the fees at the end of my appointment. However, rather than meet with me, his hygienist informed me that Dr. Fendrich would not be providing the work we discussed, as my insurance company would not pay him enough.
I was upset, so the hygienist asked Dr. Fendrich to speak to me. We talked for a minute or two. I told him I didn't think his behavior was in integrity or professional. Toward the end of our conversation he gripped my shoulder and told me it was my problem.
It is the prerogative of every provider, regardless of profession, to establish fees and decide whether or not to accept insurance and/or participate as an in-network provider. That's a given. However, as a patient, Dr. Fendrich's behavior was upsetting and lacked the integrity and professionalism expected from a healthcare provider. Furthermore, and perhaps more importantly, I was outraged at his touching me, which felt inappropriate and aggressive and outside the bounds of professional ethos and conduct.
http://www.vitals.com/dentists/Dr_Laurence_Fendrich/reviews#ixzz3StKcYblR
