Dental implant

[Aurel]

Calling on pelican dentists here...
So two weeks ago, I had a molar extracted, and I signed a form to get one year interest free financing for an implant. It was a little painful, but I am doing fine now with a redneck mouth. The total cost, extraction included, was $3,000. I was not very surprised to learn that my insurance company only covers the extraction. I would of better open a dental savings account, but whatever. A week later, I get a credit card that indeed says no interest charged. But today, I get a bill from same CC company for $3,850. WTF? I did not even get my implant yet, and there is the total charged plus $850 interest. Is this common practice from dentists to charge for services before they are performed? Can I get out of this deal, as I get a strong feeling that the dental office is trying to screw me.

Aurel

[89911]

Something is definitely wrong. (By the way, I did my residency at Monmouth Medical Center and hung out at RedBank back then!) The company agrees to pay the Dentist minus their service charges in full. They then let the patient pay off the amount in the terms given, interest free for what was agreed upon. I would call the office and let them know whats up. Check the fine print in the lender also to make sure they didn't expect some monthly payment you may of not been told of. Did you have the implant placed at time of extraction? If not, the only charge should be the extraction.

[Aurel]

My wife, who has a lot more patience than me, called the dental office, and also the insurance company and the CC company. She uncovered that the dental office was charging the CC company for services not rendered, while at the same time also charging the insurance company for the tooth extraction. They could have gotten away with that, if they were not stupid enough to also charge more than the agreed total price. Of course, they tried to play dumb, or error, or whatever to escape responsibility, which is insurance fraud. Needless to say that the CC company is getting a full refund from them, and they will be lucky if I do not look into pressing charges against them. Well, they will get away with this kind of crap because we have more important things to do, but this kind of behavior really pisses me off.

Aurel

[island911]

AFAIK, The nature of the process (extraction, wait, implant, wait, uncover, wait, create/install 'tooth') is so drawn out, that you may as well pay as you go. (to achieve a similar payment schedule)

[Zeke]

I'd be pissed as well. No charges can occur before the shipment or performance of goods or services. The dentist crossed the line of the law, but thy won't be nailed unless they have done this more than once. I'd notify your state attorney general just in case that is what has being going on in that office. You could save a few others the agony or even some who would never question it.

[Neilk]

Didn't someone else have a similar problem?

edit: Here's the link I was thinking about... not quite the same, but in short, don't get credit from dental offices.

[Aurel]

Hey, I stopped at the dental office tonight, to straight things up a little bit. The beiotch who did not call me back was there, so I got to have a little chat with her. Turns out, the $850 overcharge was for bone reconstruction powder. It really is just cow bone that they stick in there, and that was not included in the original deal. Funny thing is, while the beiotch was chewing on her doritos and I started yelling at her, I got everybodys attention right away. Did I mention I got in there just by pushing the "private" door? This is where they always hide. Of course, they threatened to call the cops, sue me for harassment, bla bla bla...Then I calmed myself down, and she refunded the cow bone thing. They pretend that they already ordered the implant materials, so they would charge me for them even if I cancel the procedure. Did I mention my insurance company may reimburse some of the implant, if they would send them a letter, but they never bothered with that. So easy to hide behind a phone, or behind a credit card company that charges the patient for services not rendered. But now, they know I mean business, so things should go a little smoother...

Aurel

[89911]

Good for you! Dentistry is not without it's offenders. The Dentist most likely figured he would charge you for the entire procedure even though it could be 6 months to a year before completion. No excuse for his behavior. I would get things cleared up and move on to someone more reputable.

[Aurel]

I see that they backed down to the original price, because they still want my business. But at this point, I am hesitating between seeking full reimbursement of the services that they have charged ahead and not delivered yet, or moving forward with the original deal. I now understand that this 12 month no interest financing was a very bad idea, since the total procedure will take about that long, as Island astutely pointed out. I also read the other thread, and understand all the hassles I may go through with the CC company, although they seem nice and accomodating at the moment. Tomorrow, I have to decide what to do...

Aurel

[Aurel]

I wanted to revive this old thread because it turns out that the dentist who tried to rip me off was a big fraud, and I will be witness in a lawsuit of the State of NJ against him. And, great irony of things, we happen to be good friend with the judge who will view his case .

[john70t]

Mums the word there. May be a conflict of interest depending on how involved you are in the case.

[stomachmonkey]

yeah, keep that to yourself

does your judge friend know that you will be testifying in his court?

you ever tell him about your issue, even in passing?

[Aurel]

Originally Posted by stomachmonkey

yeah, keep that to yourself

We have already informed the detectives about this possible conflict of interest, and there are other witnesses who will testify anyways. I can still ask the judge in advance if there may be a problem .

[Aurel]

Originally Posted by stomachmonkey

yeah, keep that to yourself

does your judge friend know that you will be testifying in his court?

you ever tell him about your issue, even in passing?

Nope I never told him about this lawsuit before. By now, he must know I will be a witness.

[onewhippedpuppy]

I'm still looking for a good dentist. Yours being a fraud doesn't surprise me. I've had several with questionable billing practices, and they all love to up-sell products and services. Salesman and trusted physician just don't go together for me.

[Jim Bremner]

I would not care to have a dentist,who I've yelled at his or her staff work on my mouth.

[89911]

None hear would be suitable for my practice. I would ask a few questions that would lead to car talk. I would be hours behind everyday talking about engine rebuilds. As far as Dentist in your area, look for someone that is long established with a good track record. Even in these economic times, I am busier then ever. Took years and years of doing the right thing and not looking at patients with dollar signs in their eyes. How are things in Red Bank? I use to live in W. Long Branch and worked in Eatontown and Deal. Went to happy hour at Oyster Point in Red Bank. Good times. The last time I looked on Google Maps, the place I live at (next to the ocean and a bar on a pier) was completely leveled and new construction went up. Ran in to B. Springsteen twice there at bars.

[Vrod]

Yup , its a long procedure and will cost 5K before your done . But its worth the wait .

[widgeon13]

Originally Posted by Jim Bremner

I would not care to have a dentist,who I've yelled at his or her staff work on my mouth.

My thoughts exactly!!

[TSNAPCRACKLEPOP]

as a chiropractor, at least in my state, extending credit to patients in any form now is a violation unless i am a registered financial institution, or something like that. I don't extend credit.