Insurance & Payments
Orthodontics is a wonderful life long investment as well as a self esteem builder. In order to avoid misunderstanding, we would like to explain our payment policies.
We will submit claims to your insurance company to help you receive the benefit that you are entitled to. Insurance companies vary in the types of benefits that they offer. You will be responsible to the practice for all fees in the event that your insurance is no longer in place. The amount equal to your insurance benefit will be subtracted from your account. The remainder will be divided into a convenient payment plan spread over the course of treatment.
Orthodontic Insurance
Orthodontic insurance differs from dental insurance in that the benefit is spread out over the length of the treatment whereas dental insurance pays for each specific service that is rendered. Most individuals have a lifetime maximum benefit for all orthodontic services. The benefit is usually paid as a percentage of your fee until the maximum is reached.
Filing Claims
As a courtesy to you, we will submit your insurance claims for you that pertain to the charges for care rendered in our office. However, please be aware that our primary financial relationship is with our patients or their families and not with respective insurance companies. Once you furnish us with all the pertinent insurance information, we will forward it to your insurance company to help you obtain the full reimbursement that you are entitled to receive.
Payments
As a service to our patients we offer a number of affordable options. We request that your initial fee be paid at the start of treatment (at the Diagnostic Records appointment). The remainder may be paid in monthly installments over the course of treatment. The frequency of visits has no bearing on the monthly payment. The payment schedule is merely a convenient way to help you meet your total financial obligation. You will be given a payment book to use in making monthly payments. You may also choose to have it automatically charged to a credit card monthly or drafted from your checking account. We do not charge interest our fees. However, if your payment is not received by the 10th of each month, a $20.00 late fee will be assessed.
Flexible Spending Accounts
We can help you plan yearly for your Flexible Spending Accounts (also known as Medical Spending Accounts, Cafeteria Plans etc). These accounts are often available through your employer and allow you to have money put away pre-tax to spend on medical procedures and goods. This is great way to save money on any medical/dental fees!
Guidelines
It is important to know your insurance information and benefits before treatment begins. We cannot provide care on the assumption that our fees will be paid by an insurance carrier. All fees are your responsibility. Please bring all insurance information with you to your first visit.
