Policies and Payment

Appointments

With the exception of emergency treatment, all appointments in our office must be scheduled in advance so our patients can be seen in an organized and efficient manner. Because we are committed to seeing our patients who may have a dental emergency, we sometimes deviate from our scheduled appointment routine. We diligently work to treat our emergency patients while respecting the scheduled treatment times of other patients. This dedication to providing quality care requires us to carefully manage our appointment times and staffing needs in a way that best serves you.

If you cannot make your appointment for any reason, please call us as soon as possible to reschedule. You may notify our office directly during working hours or use our answering machine, fax or email to contact us. We have a minimum charge of $35.00 for any appointment for which a patient fails to show without notifying us in advance. If a family member fails to show at a scheduled appointment, all other family members will be cancelled as well. If patients or their representatives call and cancel without giving us at least 24 hours notice, we have a $15.00 fee. To treat patients efficiently and affordably, we must carefully balance a full schedule with individual patient care. Broken or missed appointments do not allow us to do so. The missed appointment charge is not designed to punish the patient who misses, but out of respect for our other patients who should not have to pay the costs created by someone else’s broken appointment.

Payment for services is due at the time services are rendered. We accept cash, checks, credit and debit cards. We do bill for and participate with many insurance companies. Co-pays are payable each time you visit a dentist, so be prepared to pay your co-pay when services are rendered. It is your responsibility to find out with your insurance company if we are a participating provider. All services will be billed as a courtesy to you directly to your insurance carrier(s) by this office, provided we have a signed HIPAA form on file from you.

You must realize however, that:

• Your insurance is a contract between you, your employer and the insurance company. We are not a party on that contract.
• Our fees are generally considered to fall within the acceptable range by most carriers, and therefore are covered up to the maximum allowance determined by each carrier and the Michigan Dental Association.
• Not all services are a covered benefit in all contracts. Some insurance companies arbitrarily select certain services they will not cover.

We must emphasize that our relationship is with you, not your employer or insurance company.

If you have any questions about the above information, PLEASE do not hesitate to ask us. We are here to help you.

Payment Options

Please understand that this will only be an estimate. Should the need for additional treatment arise during the course of the original treatment plan, the fees could change. Be assured that we will notify you of fee changes and obtain your approval prior to proceeding with treatment. Please take a moment to review the financial options offered and indicate your choice of payment.

• Plan A: Payment in full on the day of each visit using Master Card, Visa, Discover, American Express, or Care Credit.
• Plan B: Monthly payment plans available with the following options.
  • 6 months no interest payment plan.
  • 12 months no interest payment plan with half down.
  • Low interest payment plans for 24, 36, 48, and 60 months.

  Ask our front desk for more details concerning this option.

• Plan C: Our goal is to help you maximize your dental insurance benefits. As a courtesy, we are happy to bill your dental plan for services. Please remember that the contract itemizing your dental benefits is between you, your employer and your insurance carrier. Regardless of coverage, your estimated copayment is due in full the day of treatment. If your dental plan does not pay within 60 days of treatment, you must pay any outstanding balance and seek reimbursement from your dental plan. If your dental plan pays more than expected, you will receive a refund check within two weeks. Also remember that dental insurance plans are not designed to cover all of your dental needs. Rather, the amount your dental plan contributes towards your dental care is based on the plan selected and purchased by your employer.