How to negotiate dental fees?

Question

I have a 25-year old amalgam that the dentist says is leaking and needs to be replaced with a porcelain crown. My dentist's charge is $1900. Insurance will cover $390. I decided to book an appointment with a local dental college where the cost is $780. The front desk employee at the dentist office was upset when I asked for a copy of my X-rays. She wanted to know if I was no longer going to be a patient at that office. I said I wasn't sure, but I was worried about the $1900 fee.

I would be willing to stay at the dentist if I could negotiate the fee, but I don't know how to go about it. I have been going to this office for 9 years and had major work done before. I've never negotiated before, but the price of a crown has gone up by 60% since I've last had one done. Any advice would be appreciated, and I understand that it costs a lot to maintain a dental business. I feel like this might be a lose/lose situation.

I live in Boston. The porcelain crown at the dentist's office would be done in one 1.5 hour visit by the CEREX procedure where there is a machine that makes the crown in-office. The local dental school would take 2-3 visits and would require that I have a temporary crown while I wait for the permanent crown to be made off-site. The insurance, unfortunately, is non-negotiable.

The dentist office told me that it longer does silver amalgams because these were determined to be "unhealthy" for patients. I had asked the dentist office not to submit the information to the insurance until the end of 2007 so that I could save money in a health reimbursement account in 2008 and then do the procedure at that time. The dental office employee said she had to submit the paperwork to the insurance right away and that I should not wait for the porcelain crown because otherwise I would risk having to get a root canal.

Answer 1

The fee being charged for CEREC crown looks to be 40-50% high. Take copies of your X-rays elsewhere or the dental college where you have been quoted quite reasonable.

Answer 2

Insurance coverage is non-negotiable. If insurance flat out denies a procedure, you may have cause for an appeal...but asking for them to cover more than their set fee is probably a waste of time.

$1900 sounds a bit high for a CEREC crown. Even though CEREC equipment is very expensive, the crowns themselves cost less to produce than the ones they get from a dental lab.

You could ask the dentist if there is an alternative, less expensive treatment for the tooth. But the dental office is not a flea market and haggling prices is not a good option. Discounts are sometimes given for advance payment or in charity cases, but the idea of negotiated pricing would be viewed as unprofessional - at least with US dentists.

Something is bothering me about your experience and that is the front desk getting "upset" because you asked for records. No dental practice likes to lose a patient, but they should not be upset with you, especially if you told them you were seeking a second opinion. It's fairly common in dentistry and at my practice we encourage it. People who go to other offices come back with a new appreciation for us and our services.

Answer 3

Do not deal with this dentist,you do not have to go to a dental student either. I have been robbed by both .A ask friends,check around find a reputable dentist who Is hopefully not on the take. The filling will not do any more damage in a short time,You can have peace of mind by doing your homework.I know if you ask your regular doctor and or any one else you trust you can come out fine,with good work and less money spent.Use the Internet to locate dental referral service in your city confide in the sec.there

Answer 4

Most dentist won't negotiate the fee, because a dental office is expensive to run so they give you a set price. I would like to know where you live because my husband is a dentist and he only charges $750 for a full porcelain crown.

Answer 5

you have a few options:
1. talk to a free lawyer at your local library or at a local lawfirm: get a free consultation
2. if you are a student or parent:::: emphasize you cannot afford and negotiate a payment option with/without a lowered fee charge
3. get another opininon and bargain if you get a lower charge
4. appeal your insurance. ASK the doctor for advice if they are NICE..OTHERWISE ask your insurance for the lead or supervisor and ask what forms you have to fill out to appeal the coverage> THERE IS ALWAYS an appeal with insurance companies etc. YOU CAN arguue this.

*****ask for the supervisor. ask for the proper forms to appeal the coverage limit. and you'll mostlikely have to write a letter. EMPHASIZE in your letter that in the long wrong...they will have to cover even MORE fees for pain meds or possible surgery if needed and will have to pay for follow up appointments if it is not covered and taken care of in the mean time.

I hope this helps. IT WILL TAKE SOME CALLS and some time being transferred....JUST APPEAL your insurance. and you'll have to do some leg work. NOTHING comes from free...and if it does...you'll have to work at it to get it.

Answer 6

I would tell the dentist EXACTLY what you told us and see what
their reaction is. Presenting the facts is a great negotiation skill.
If they're not willing to negotiate you will know by watching
their reaction to the facts. ;) Good luck, and no you don't have
to pay $1900 for a crown.

Answer 7

definitely go somewhere else. price is way too high, should be half. they should never get mad at you--I had to do the same thing a while back and found another dentist who was empathetic to my finances and pay much less now for dentistry.

Answer 8

that is going to be tough