Patient Information
INSURANCE
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At Southeast Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dr. Frishkey and his staff make every effort to provide you with the finest surgical care and the most convenient financial options. It is important that you know what your insurance policy covers. Due to the growing complexity of insurance coverage and plans available it has become difficult for us to call and verify everyone's specific insurance. We find that the insurance company is unable to quote our office exact procedure fees therefore we are not able to calculate the exact amount your insurance will pay.
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We encourage you to find out how your policy is designed and what your insurance policy covers. We recommend that you check with your insurance company or your employers insurance representative. We will be happy to file your insurance claim form for you the day of your surgery. Please be aware that we only have the resources to file your primary insurance coverage. However, we will be happy to provide you with an attending dental statement to be used to complete the doctors portion of your insurance claim forms for any secondary insurance that you may have. Our fees are your responsibility, regardless of how much your insurance covers. Our financial and insurance coordinator is available to help you in this process after your consultation visit.
In some instances, your insurance company may require a pre-determination of services to help verify our coverage before surgery. If this is required, it may take anywhere from three to six weeks depending on your insurance company. Again, this is one reason we ask that you check with your insurance company or your employer so that you will be familiar with your plan benefits before your consultation appointment.
The Truth about Dental Insurance
Dental insurance plays an important role in helping people obtain their dental treatment. Since we strongly feel our patients deserve the very best possible dental care we can provide, and in an effort to maintain a high quality of care, we would like to share some beliefs and facts about dental insurance with you.
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Belief #1
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Dental Insurance is meant to be a PAY-ALL
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Fact
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Dental insurance is meant to be an aid.
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Belief #2
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Plans pay up to 80% or !00%
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Fact
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We've found most plans cover 35% to 50% of dental services. The amount your plan pays is determined by how much your employer paid for the plan. You will get back only what your employer has put in, less the profits of the insurance company.
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Belief #3
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The insurance company will pay the fees that the dentist charges.
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Fact
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Some insurance companies tell their customers that dental fees are higher than usual and customary. An insurance company surveys a geographical area, finds the average fee, and then takes 80% of that fee and considers it customary. Included in the fee survey are discount clinics which will bring down the average. Any doctor in private practice will have fees that are considered higher than average.
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Belief #4
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All services are covered by insurance.
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Fact
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Many routine dental services are NOT covered by carriers.
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Belief #5
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Insurance over the years has kept up with inflation.
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Fact
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In 1959, most dental plans had a yearly maximum cap of $1,000. Now over 40 years later - the average yearly maximum is still $1,000! Dental benefit plans will never pay for completion of your dental care. It is only meant to assist you.
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Please remember that your insurance is a contract between you and your insurance company and/or employer. We recommend that any questions regarding the amount of insurance coverage for the specific treatment will be discussed directly with your insurance company or your employer. We will fill out and file forms for you at no charge. We will do all we can to maximize your benefits.
Excellent oral care is with or without insurance benefits. We hope you will choose the best that dentistry has to offer.
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