I enrolled in Ameriplan dental care plan a discount savings reduced fee company, On 7/17/03 I went to Coast dental for first appointment for exam, xray, cleaning, and whitening lower teeth, the scheduled fees consisted of $25.00 for exam, xrays 2 films @ $12.00 or 4 films $18.00 peridontal scaling 25% discount, cosmetic bonding, bleaching or veneers 25% discount.
I thought after hygeineist was done with cleaning that usual and customary fees total on some paper I signed for showed total of $245.00 which included rotodent toothbrush, and periomed or bottle of perroxide was dispensed, the whitening kit was additional $99.00 which would be used after the first 4 weeks, of gingivitis treatment was correct.
When I checked out with cashier, I was billed for $400.75, and my credit card was charged for this service which a copy was listed they had done full mouth xrays, full mouth debridement, the rotodent instrument, the whitening kit, and other $20-$25.00 charges for services not rendered.
MR. Hill the vice pres. Writes they are concerned with patient care, and they dont have billing errors which is argumentative. He further stated if I returned the whitening kit a refund of $99.00 would be given. I asked that differnce of $400.75-$245.00 be remitted, he told me I was confused about what service I received, I wasnt on novacaine, or other medication that would cloud my memory, I wonder when will the time arrive that customers are right first, over profit taking, I guess that is pre drawn conclusion in order for them to increase how many patients they can see, who may have insurance you decrease your liability or malpractice claims by showing people out the door.
Thankfully my bank allowed a credit deposit for $400.75, as matter must be resolved through other investigation by Ameriplan Dental Care 1-800-647-8421 and attorney advisement if needed, I probably could have gone to another dentist and the whitening and cleaning would have been completed in an hour for $300.00.
However Coast showed after several months, of treatments, that after that I would need a new upper denture, a partial or two for bottom teeth, and hopefully they could make $3000.00 I dont think so... I have fixed income, and no insurance, the Ameriplan is a fee reduced company, for those who cannot afford the high prices of dental care. The providers like Coast Dental should be more efficient than they appear, because if you are indeed concerned about patient care you must show it to be true.
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