Can I get the credit I have on file at my dentist office refunded in cash?

Question

Does anyone know if I can get my money back? Last year I had dental surgery and had to pay over a $1000 upfront because the dental office stated it was in case my insurance didn't cover it. Well, my insurance company did. They told me it would be a credit on file for future visits and that it could be transferred between me and my husband. Well, it's been almost a year and we still haven't used it. Plus, we will be moving out of state in Febuary. So I don't see the point in keeping a credit on file that it close to $1100 at an office I will never visit again. Can I get my money back? Or will I have to threaten to sue?Thanks

*****I want to say thanks to everyone for your help. Unfortunately, they are closed tomorrow, but I will DEFINITELY make this my first priority on Monday. I have found my past bank statement stating the amount I paid and who is was paid to, their office. I have also found my explanation of benefits from my insurance company stating that they paid them. I'm also going to look for the receipt I got from them when I paid. I feel more confident now since I know I have the ammo to support my refund. I'm a little worried they are going to try to shoo me out the door.

Answer 1

Absolutely... Simply walk into the Dentist office, explain the situation as it currently exists, and ask for a full and immediate refund. They can not refuse you your money back. If for some odd reason (like, well that's not our policy) they do refuse you your money back, then simply tell them you will be filing a claim against them in the court of small claims. I am certain you must have some record of the original pre-payment of $1,000, add to that any paperwork you may have from your insurance company proving their payments to that office. If it comes to that you will also be able to recover any court costs (filing fees) as well as payment for the time off you needed to both file the claim and show up in court on the assigned court date. If you have all the necessary paperwork as proof, your Dentist does not stand a chance in hell.
This type of thing really steams my bean..
I have long been a fighter or advocate for PRINCIPLE!
Good Luck..

Answer 2

Small claims not the best idea you get a judgment, not money. Plus you are out the filing fee! I do the books for a small dental office and always refund the money within 5 days. If I don't I am required to fill out an unclaimed funds report with the state. You know the report you always see in the paper or on the news about someone leaving thousands of dollars in a bank account and forgetting about it. I'd talk to the office manager (most dentists don't keep there own books ) and ask them if they have filed the unclaimed funds report for your account. You know they haven't! The state poking around in their books is a much bigger threat than small claims. They should be able to write you a check within a few days. I know we wouldn't be able to give you cash. I also know insurance companies release checks on the 1st and 15th so they will be especially cash rich at these times of the month in case there is some problem you at least east have this knowledge ! That's pretty terrible I wish you luck.

Answer 3

They should have refunded you the money at the end of the year when they closed their books and did their taxes. Write a letter saying that you are moving and that you want your records transfered to your new dentist and to provide an address where to send the money. (I would send it registered mail so you have proof of receipt). If after a reasonable amount of time send a second letter stating that if you do not have a reply/refund within 30 days you will sue. (I'd also send registered).

In addition to suing, you can also report them to the insurance company and the state's medical registery office (the one that licenses dentists and other medical professionals in your state). Hopefully it was just an oversight and you dont have to sue.

Answer 4

Well, if u r moving out of state, I don't see why u couldn't get a refulnd. We have done that on occasion in our dental clinic, but not oftern. Dentists don't like to refund!. Why don't u and your husband go for an annual checkup and cleanings? U can use part of your credit, then your insurance will send u the money. So that way u are actuallly getting the money back.
Good luck

Answer 5

Let them know you will no longer require their service and you want your credit back. Yes, you are entitled to it.

If you paid with cash, then you should be able to receive cash back. If you paid with credit card, then they will issue the credit back to the card.

They shouldn't refuse, but if by chance they do, then you will have to file a suit against them.

Answer 6

DEAR KITAKAT,

YOU ARE WELL WITHIN YOUR RIGHTS AS LONG AS THERE ARE NO OTHER CHARGES PENDING AT THIS OFFICE. TALK TO THE OFFICE MANAGER AND BRING UP THE WORD "LAWYER" AND YOU MIGHT GET BACK A REFUND. IF NOT, SUE IN SMALL CLAIMS TO RECOVER THE $ YOU PAID.
BE SURE TO GET A STATEMENT FROM THEM IN WRITING OF HIW MUCH YOU ARE STILL OWED.

Answer 7

explain this to the dentist and see if you can get it back if not sue him