|
Office Policies & What to Expect
Your First Visit
In order to treat each individual according to his/her unique bite and facial
features, the first visit to our office, known as an exam, consists of a one-on-one
visit with one of our doctors. Any questions that the patient may have can be
addressed at this time. During this visit, the doctor will use only a mirror to
determine whether diagnostic records are to be taken. Diagnostic records typically
include photos of the patient’s face and teeth, X-rays, and diagnostic casts
of the upper and lower teeth if necessary. This information is used to develop
a custom treatment plan for each patient. These records are also helpful in tracking
the progress of treatment for each patient. As a courtesy to the adolescent patient
and his/her dentist, there is no fee for an exam visit unless X-rays are taken.
The fee for an adult exam is $75. The patient is under no obligation to undergo
treatment as a result of an exam.
Consultation
After the doctor has evaluated your records, we will discuss them with you (or
the parent) and explain our treatment plan for you in great detail, including
the cost of your treatment. (Your child does not have to be present for this visit,
but is welcome to attend.)
Regular Appointments
The appointment when you get your appliances (braces, expanders, etc.) usually
takes from 1 to 1_ hours. Then, you will see us at regular 4 to 8 week intervals
that will take between 20 and 40 minutes per appointment. Our office hours are
Monday – Wednesday 8:00 a.m.-5:00p.m., Thursday 9:00 a.m.- 6:30 p.m., and
Friday 7:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. We make every possible effort to be on time
for our patients and we ask that you extend us the same courtesy. If you cannot
keep an appointment, please call us immediately (630-325-0100). Please notify
us at least 24 hours in advance of a cancellation to avoid a charge to your account.
If you miss an appointment without notifying us, there will be a charge of $25
with all proceeds benefiting local charities. Cancel only if it is an emergency,
as it is difficult to reschedule because most appointments are scheduled 4 to
8 weeks in advance.
Back to Top
Payment & Cost
The cost of treatment depends on the patient’s corrective needs. You will
be able to discuss fees and payment options before treatment begins. We require
an initial deposit of 25% to begin treatment. We then offer payment plans based
on the duration of treatment. These payments are interest free. If full-treatment
is necessary, you have the option of paying in full at the onset of treatment.
In this instance, we offer a 5% total fee discount. If appliances, such as retainers,
are lost or damaged due to abuse or neglect there is a replacement fee. For your
convenience, we accept payment by VISA, MASTERCARD, DISCOVER, cash, or check.
Insurance
It is important to be informed that if your treatment is covered by dental or
orthodontic insurance, our professional services are rendered and charged to you,
NOT to the insurance company. We do not file with insurance agencies. We will,
however, provide you with the necessary information/forms to do so.
Procedures for Submitting a Claim
At the start of treatment, you will receive our standardized form for orthodontic
insurance claims. It is printed in triplicate. The white copy is submitted by
you to your insurance company, the pink copy is for your records, and we retain
the yellow copy for our records. To begin processing your claim, simply attach
the white copy to the completed insurance form issued by your insurance company
and mail it to the address listed on the form. It is not necessary for us to receive
your insurance claim form.
Some insurance companies insist on sending payments to the Doctor even though
the patient or parent has requested payments be sent to them. In this case, proper
credit is applied toward your account balance. We cannot refund this money to
you because each insurance company issues a W-2 tax report.
Back to Top
Periodically throughout treatment, we will receive correspondence from your
insurance company. You will usually receive a copy of it also. Normally, only
a signature or treatment dates are necessary and we will promptly honor these
requests.
HouseCalls™
HouseCalls™ is a sophisticated computer software program that calls our
patients to remind them of their appointments. House calls are made the day before
your appointment. We hope that this system is a convenience to you.
Emergencies
As a courtesy to our patients, our team is always available for concerns, questions,
or emergency treatment. In case of an emergency, please call our office at (630)
325-0100 for after hours call 630-825-5830.
Back to Top
|
