I went to get a basic teeth cleaning which is fully covered by my insurance company. They told me that I had to do a gum check which will cost 65.00 and not be covered by my insurance. They informed me that I had to do this so they could determine whether to give me a basic cleaning or a deep cleaning (both of which my insurance would pay for). At that point I told them that I did not want to pay this gum check fee and to let me just get the basic cleaning. They told me that they would not do that unless I agreed to pay the 65.00.
Basically what they have done is taken something that is standard when you get a cleaning, namely checking your gums, they have then created a "new" service in which they can generate an additional fee on top of what the insurance company is paying. The reason the insurance doesn't cover it is because it is bogus and unnecessary. They are basically double dipping and the patient is having to take the hit. And if you don't allow them to price gouge you then they will refuse all service to you.
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