We often have patients decide not to have certain procedures performed because their insurance does not cover that particular service. Sadly, this is especially true of preventative procedures. It can be frustrating for dentists when a service needs to be performed, but the decision of an insurance company gets in the way.
Don’t let insurance decide your treatment options.
We would like to encourage you not to let insurance companies dictate your level of care. Like most businesses, their primary function is to make a profit. Insurance policies and health plans are designed to give you what the insurance company considers adequate care to balance their costs versus the premium that you are currently paying. Likewise, your employers’ choices of health plan benefits are based primarily on cost versus coverage. This is all understandable, but what your insurance does and does not cover should not be the final factor in deciding the care you and your family receives. Even if you have to pay out of pocket, the future benefits of preventative care may far outweigh the immediate financial cost.
An ounce of prevention…
Preventative procedures such as fluoride treatments, sealants and x-rays are among the most frequently declined dental services because they can seem optional, unnecessary and are not always covered by every health plan. Many insurance policies, for example, will only cover one fluoride treatment each year even though having a fluoride treatment at each visit can help prevent cavities in children. Less costly preventative care can often save you and your family from the pain and discomfort of cavities as well as save you money. It’s not uncommon for patients to spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars for dental problems that must be taken care of when earlier care could have prevented the issue at a fraction of the cost.
We’re here to help you make the best decision.
We are very sensitive to your families’ budget and always try to help you make the best care decision possible. We would never suggest treatment that we don’t think our patients need. Please feel free to ask us about any of the services that we offer. Give us an opportunity to explain the benefits of each procedure so that you can make informed decisions. Don’t let an insurance company pick the level of care your family receives.