Question:
SHORT VERSION OF A VERY LONG STORY!
I live in Maryland and I did not use insurance for my procedure.
In September 2006, I went to a dentist and I received a primary treatment plan which included 21 extractions, 2 sets of dentures and 4 mini-implants and paid over $18,000 upfront.
In January 2007, I had the extractions and had one set of dentures placed.
In February 2007, I had a soft reline done and explained to my dentist, after much consideration and the fact that I have high levels of Osteoprosis, I have elected not to get the implants. I asked him for an account balance. He provided me with a Patient transaction sheet totaling over $12,000 for the 21 extractions, 1 set of Dentures and a Rebase of the upper denture and a Rebase of the lower denture. He said, that discounts he gave me would no longer apply because I have elected to stop the treatment. I was only made aware of one discount, which was 3% when I paid in full upfront.
In late February 2007, I provided him with a letter doing a comparison between the patient transactions and the primary treatment plan and have requested a refund of $10,900 which is for the 4 mini implants $8,000 and the additional set of dentures $2,900, because I am not having this work performed.
I explained to him that his charges are unaceptable. I am still trying to work this situation out with him, however, he has already informed me that there is no way he is going to give me the $10,900. He also informed me that if I were to try and take him to arbitration, I would lose.
Can he really just change the figures like this and keep my money? I am at a total loss. What can I do? Isn't there a set fee Schedule that he has to go by? Any advise you could provide would be most helpful. Thank you for taking the time to read about my situation and I hope someone can help me.
Answer:
I had a similar experience where I paid $20K up front for crowns on my upper and lower back teeth and upper canines and 2 anterior bridges - after the dr did the temp work I realized all he intended to do was make me dentures w/o the plates - so I also decided not ot proceed with the final restoration and all he refunded me was $3K - so I ended up paying $17K for temp teeth. The lack of interigrity among some dentists is outrageous considering it is actually a form of health care. I should have known I was paying for the plazma tvs in his waiting room and the complimentary hand waxing service offered while waiting for my appt.
I would first contact the dental board or ward he belongs to - most states (well I know NY does anyway) have an agency or governing body or organization that oversees dental professionals within the state or county or a local jurisdiction/region - and file a complaint and find out if any other complaints against the dentist have been filed. Present your facts just as you have here and do not be bullied by what he told you - if you have to - go to arbitration. He's counting on you not to do so.
You can also look into filing a small claims suit against him as well and letting a judge decide if his fees were pre-established or just made up or pulled out of thin air, so to speak. I kick myself all the time for not trying either of these approaches since many dentists told me afterwards that its like "buyer beware" these days with the dental fees being charged. If you have the wherewithall to pursue this - definitely go for it. I wish I had.
Answer:
Thank you so much for replying. I have checked in Maryland with the ADA and the Board of Dental Examiners and they do not get involved in "FEE" disputes. I know there is a Peer Review Group and I am in the process of contacting them. I have talked to a couple other Dentists and they have informed me that he has over charged me and for me to contact the Peer group. I am so steamed at this guy for doing this. I feel like a Person all alone on an island here.
Answer:
What a travesty!! And I'll bet the pot licker is still advertising away about his caring and professional patient-oriented service... blah, blah, blah. Money-grubbing, pure and simple. I hope and pray you find justice. Keep us posted.
Answer:
Now I dont feel so bad MY dentist QUOTED a treatment plan of 17000....I dont have the money & will not pursue such robery..Sometimes many dentists will not want a case started by others., its a SAD world...I did hear dental schools might help with things like this....