Showing posts with label Best of 2015. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Best of 2015. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Top 5 Reasons We Are Out-Of-Network

And What That Means For You

I sat down earlier this week to write a piece with the title above, but very quickly realized there really aren’t that many reasons. The only reason we are out-of-network with most insurance plans comes down to one simple fact:

We treat World-Class patients and we want to offer world–class oral health care on our own terms, the way dentistry was intended to be provided.
Many people think that if a practice is not in-network with their insurance, they can’t seek services with that provider, but that is not correct. The truth is, in most cases, you can work with a dentist who is out-of-network.  All in-network means is that a dental provider has signed a contract with a health insurance company that allows the insurance company to dictate the value of the oral health care provided. Sadly, the current climate of dental insurance reimbursement often has providers being paid less than the cost of a personal training or Pilates session, a haircut, or full tank of gas. In addition to low reimbursements, many of the treatments are not covered even when you’re in-network.

A few things you need to understand about our oral health care:

  • We have extensive education and training, with one of the rarest specialties in the nation – a prosthodontist. We are the physicians of the mouth.
  • As with all patients, all oral health care is not created equal. Dentists do not receive a handbook on graduation day that tells us how to treat a specific diagnosis. Your treatment is customized, taking into consideration an individual’s age, gender, lifestyle, home and work demands, and even emotions related to their unique needs.
  • All dentists are not created equal. Our team has furthered their education by taking classes and additional training beyond what is required by our governing board.[1]  Some dentists look for every opportunity to expand their knowledge and stay current with studies and treatments. Good dentists know that there is not one treatment to help everyone and, while we may not be able to cure all, we have a network of additional resources that might.
In our Sandy Springs office we have chosen to stay true to our ideals of how oral health care should be delivered. We consider you world-class and treat you as such and refuse to upcharge, bait and switch or look for issues that comport with insurance filings rather than providing you with the trusted care you deserve and afford.  At the end of your treatment you will have peace of mind.

If we can be of service feel free to contact us.

ZoAnna Scheinfeld, MS, DMD
290 Carpenter Drive, 200A
Atlanta, GA 30328
404-256-3620

Related Articles:
Oral Health in America – Dentist Sandy Springs https://therightsmile.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=4805&action=edit


[1] Dr. Novy Scheinfeld is an Emory Trained prosthodontist, one of 310 practicing in the U.S. according to Forbes Magazine.  Dr. ZoAnna Scheinfeld is engaged in a mini-implant residency at UAB.

Monday, July 27, 2015

How Much Do Dental X-rays Cost?

A single dental x-ray should cost between $28-38. But with the Great Recession, you can probably get your first set for free.  YES, FREE..EEE.   Basically, that dentist is putting out a lost leader to see if he or she can find something wrong with your teeth.  Beyond that, 4 check-up or bitewing x-rays may cost between $60-80, and a full mouth series (18 x-rays) or panoramic x-ray would cost between $100-200.  If it’s a new practice or mature one that is trying to build or rebuild its patient base, often the x-rays are bundled with an examination that ends up as stated above – free.  Most dental insurance covers x-rays at 100%. It is usually considered adiagnostic or preventive service.

If you are a new patient, the dentist should recommend x-rays to determine the present status of your oral health and to help identify changes that may occur later, unless of course he has super powers and can see your tooth and bone structure without the aid of an x-ray machine.  (Wish we could do that.)  X-rays give your dentist a necessary baseline of your present condition.  They help your dentist detect any new cavities, determine the status of your gum health or evaluate the growth and development of your teeth. If a previous dentist has your recent radiographs, your new dentist may request copies of them.

A panoramic image is a single image of the entire upper and lower arch. This requires a different machine and can cost $125-175 or more. It shows the entire mouth on one image.

Dental x-rays are necessary to diagnose or detect tooth decay, impacted teeth, jaw problems, abscessed (infected) teeth, or current filling placement.  An x-ray exam can help your oral physician  see the small areas of decay between the teeth and fillings; bone damage from a tooth infection or cyst; bone loss due to periodontal (gum) disease; developmental defects; some types of tumors; the effects of trauma; and the position on unerupted teeth in children and adults.  Dental x-rays can also reveal bone loss from periodontal (gum) disease, locate tarter build-up, find foreign bodies within the gum or bone, and see if there is enough bone for the placement of dental implants.

Finding and treating dental problems at an early stage saves time, money and unneeded discomfort that helps prevent more serious health problems.  A good dentist will tailor a treatment plan to your finances, altering the ideal treatment as much as possible to help you  afford it.  If we can be of help, please do hesitate to call, email or make an appointment to be seen.

ZoAnna Scheinfeld, MS, DMD
Right Smile Center, LLC – Oral Physicians who care
290 Carpenter Drive, 200A
Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328
404-256-3620
info@rightsmilecenter.com


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