My dentist charged me $12 for a photo (not x-ray) without asking me first, is that ethical?

Question

While cleaning my teeth, the dentist was making small talks and even told me a few jokes. It was my first visit, so I thought he was pretty friendly. Somewhere in the middle of the jokes and the high whiring noise of the sucking and scaling machines, I heard something about xrays and pictures and a panoramic of my teeth. After the cleaning, I wasn't even given time to get up to spit in the sink. He handed me some kleenex and told me to spit in them, then proceeded to take 1 photo of my teeth, and one of my "biggest smile." I was a little surprised, but didn't think much of it. Then after the real x-rays were taken, the receptionist told me I owed $12 for the 2 photos (which in actuality was only one, since they were printed together on a single 4x6). It was after 6pm and I was really hungry and tired, so I paid up, and was actually happy about how friendly they were. It didn't hit me that the charge was unreasonable until I thought it over dinner.

What do you think???

I feel that the charge was unreasonable because, first of all, they didn't give me a chance to make an informed decision. They should have told me before or after the cleaning, not DURING the cleaning while I was distracted by all the noises, pain and discomfort. Second of all, they should have told me what the pictures were for, and should have given me a minute or two to digest and decide after the cleaning. I was still dazed. Third of all, $12 for ONE printout??? That is a very expensive picture! And it's not like I got a copy to take home, and I still don't know what it is needed for. I am just getting a cleaning, not cosmetic dentistry. I don't need a "before" and "after". And if it is just for their file, then why do I have to pay for it???

I feel that it was unnecessary, and that it was just easy money for them. Imagine, 10 patients a day: 10 x 12 = 120! Too easy and unethical!

Please tell me what you think and if it has happened to you. Thanks!

Note: As I have stated in the title, the $12 was NOT for the x-rays. The x-rays were covered by my insurance. The $12 is for the one 4x6 PHOTO print of my teeth and face.

To Guru: I agree that $12 would have been a bargain... for any kind of x-rays! But the x-rays were paid for by my insurance. If you read again, you will see that the $12 was for a simple office printed photo. That is what is bothering me. Thanks for the response, though.

Answer 1

Photo's are getting to be a standard procedure at most offices. Although you should have been told there would be a charge if that is what they do. Most offices don't charge for this as it is for our records, for us to put a face to the chart, so to speak. I'm sure if you call or stop by and inform them, as you have here, that the charges will be removed and you will be reimbursed or credited. This is something they should have let you decide if you wanted the photo for $12.00 or not. Hope I've been of some help and good luck!

Answer 2

Dentistry is a business. Dentists are only allowed to charge for what they do, unlike a medical doctor that can charge 80 bucks for your going in no matter what. When you get a filling, it is just that charge no office visit. Getting more to the point. Dentist attend meetings where speakers tell them of the things can charge for they may not have thought about. Photos are actually covered by insurance companies.. BUT he knew they would not cover it. I am with you. Let the front desk know- you want no more photos at your expense ever. Good dentists are hard to find. Most will not be offended to hear you don't want anything not covered by your insurance. If it is really ticking you off enough- write his office a letter and tell him you want your money back

Answer 3

Maybe -maybe not? I would certainly question him what they are all about!
I had a large lump removed from my face by a plastic surgeon who did that. While at my first examination he suggested surgery and went through all the details. Then he once again felt the lump and to my surprise turned around with a camera in hand and took my picture. After surgery I went back for a post op check up and he did it again! I asked him whats up with the camera and the photos? He told me they take them of everyone for two reasons.
First was the obvious for their protection from lawsuits and the second being for the office photo album showing off their work for future patients!
I guess I could live with that! However, you should definitely question it! I didn't notice any charges on my bill but they could have been padded in with something else!

Answer 4

I think the dentist has a right to charge for pictures that they take, but more importantly you as the patient should have a treatment plan presented to you BEFORE procedures are done. It is typical when you see a dentist for a full comprehensive exam and x-rays for the dental assistant to sit with you after the exam and go over treatment plan and cost and have you sign this. This way you know what to expect (more or less) at each visit.

Answer 5

Submit the receipt to your insurance company for a refund - this will at least let you know if it was supposed to be done, although I kinda doubt it. A picture like that usually has no medical value.

And I would seriously find another dentist.

Answer 6

go back to the dentist and get a refund..... its stupid to take a picture a regular picture and charge $12. and next time go to another dentist

Answer 7

$12 for photos of your teeth for the panoramic x-ray is a bargain. Don't complain about it because you would need them anyway for future visits.

Answer 8

you don't owe anything and it is ridiculous. go to a biologic dentist next time.