Both dentists are wonderful. They're thorough, skillful, upbeat, and offer great patient care. This…read moreis not a review of the dentists.
Unfortunately, I can't say the same for the front office staff.
After my last appointment, I was told that they would bill my insurance and send a bill for any remaining balances. That's fine, it's the normal course of business. Except I have never (still to this date) received any invoice from them in the mail.
However, I just found out that my account was sent to collections. When I called them to ask what was going on, they said I had an outstanding balance (of around $100) and never paid. I told them I never received a bill.
The receptionist then told me that her notes indicated that they called me on two separate dates and left voicemails and that they also sent an email. Completely embarrassed and thinking that I must have really dropped the ball (which is out of character for me) I apologized and told them I would get the account paid ASAP. Before hanging up, I confirmed my mailing address, phone number, and email address with them. They had it all correct.
When I hung up with the receptionist, I checked my phone and saw where someone did call on both dates and left voicemails, but I didn't remember the voicemails saying anything about a billing issue. So I listened to them again NEITHER OF THEM said anything about a billing issue or an outstanding balance. They were about rescheduling 2 future appointments. I also searched through my email and found nothing from them.
So... I really don't know what happened on their end. I know the US Post has been slow over the last year or so with everything going on, but I truly never received any communication from them about having an outstanding balance. I understand that a balance due is a balance due, but it's not like I had a $2,000 balance or some other huge amount like that.
All I know is that they cost me $95 in collection fees. I don't want to say that their front desk staff outright lied, though that's how it seems. They are older and it could have been an issue with them not knowing how to send emails or maybe they thought they mentioned the outstanding balance in the voicemails, but they didn't and just forgot? I don't know. I can't speak for them.
I want to add that through me, they've gained not only my household members, but 4 additional new patients (my inlaws, one grandparent, and a colleague), and we have all purchased the toothpaste, electric toothbrushes, and mouthwash that R&J sell. I've given them plenty of business over the years, and at this point, I'm sorry that I did.
I've told my family and colleague what happened and we're all looking for a new dentist.
Also, one other unrelated issue-- during one of my fist cleanings, one of the older hygienists made kind of a snarky comment about my teeth that started "at your age...", which wouldn't be so bad, except she said it with an obviously condescending tone. I really didn't appreciate that as I've always taken care of my teeth and was also easily 30+ years younger than that woman.
One of the other hygienists later commented that the woman who said that to me was one of the dentists' mother. That was a while ago, so maybe she's retired now, but I've never had a medical professional address me with such a tone before or since then, so I think it's worth noting. That said, the other hygienists were always great - professional, gentle, and caring.
The office also plays strange religious music in the lobby. It didn't bother me, to each their own, but it might be an issue for some people.
