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Our entire health system is shady, it’s a systemic problem. For your case, it’s probably easiest (although frustrating) to chalk it up as a life lesson and be thankful it wasn’t for a major procedure. Trying to fight probably won’t get you anything besides more stress.
the dental system is even more messed up
dentists are probably one of the most unethical professions in healthcare. very little regulations.
you can have one dentist claim you need '3 fillings' and another say you don't need any. it depends on who you're dealing with
Oh wow, this article is what I have been suspecting for a while. I never had dental problems till I got the freaking twice a year cleaning done….. this doctor told me I needed 9 fillings….!!!
They’re not responsible for telling you whether they’re in network or not, you must research before choosing the provider unfortunately.
^ this. The SSN and credit reporting are not on your side. If you want, talk to an attorney or negotiate with the Doctor’s office directly
You gotta make sure on your own to see if the place is in or out of network.
Pro
I don’t know what folks are talking about, they absolutely should have told you. Call and negotiate a lower payment, I’d shoot for 50%.
A cash payment is usually lowered if there’s no insurance. Like 50+%. Push to renegotiate
gotta remember the type of people dealing with your insurance/setting up your appointments. they’re hourly workers who most likely don’t care about getting you in network.
Depending on your insurance you can submit an out of network claim and get some money from them. I know with the level I have with Delta Dental I still get the same rate of coverage but have to pay myself and then get reimbursed.
Don’t pay it. Wait until it goes to collection and negotiate it with collection agency.
Ohh, I feel this is kind of shady. I sent my insurance information 2 days is advance and not once they mentioned this. $1600 with $500 out of pocket is a rip off for three basic fillings
Pro
They wouldn't have mentioned, all that matters to them is that you have insurance (if that)
Getting an attorney would be more expensive than $500, and a case like this is something that will go to small claims court, things most lawyers don't want to do.
I would try to negotiate with the dentist office, but shady as it is,there isn't much you could do. Once you signed the forms at the dentist, one of them usually covers that you are liable for whatever your insurance doesn't, and which is why you will likely not get anything in court either.
Pro
How did you choose this dentist? Guessing it was your first time? I made a similar expensive mistake years ago by going to an urgent care clinic vs an actual doctor. Learned you should always check on the insurance page to find in network providers
Sounds like you just learned a grown up lesson
It was an expensive lesson. I was so angry about this…. They just ripped me off. I spoke to the doctor briefly, let us see.
Negotiate with your insurance. Only they can help here.
How do I do that? I called and they said it is out of network rate…. :(
Pro
‘care’ in Healthcare is silent - FYA
You could file the claim directly with your insurance company
Did you ever ask them if they were in network after you sent them your insurance information? Did you check on your insurance provider website if the practice was in network?
If they lied to you, then I’d say it’s definitely shady on their part. But if you never asked or checked for yourself, then probably a good old hard-learned lesson.
Pro
Oh that's crazy then, if they told you cleaning was covered 100% that's not cool and you should definitely play that back to them if you are trying to negotiate the bill.
Just pay it as fees for a life lesson 🤗 it's not worth the hassle
I did pay the fees but feel like a fool and feel like I was ripped off. I find it unethical that I was not told they were out of network and the casual attitude when I called them for this.
If it went through insurance there is little they can do. Ask if they would be open to reversing the claim and negotiate a cash payment. The doctor might make out better charging you directly rather than accepting the negotiated rate from the insurance company.