Dentist want to charge me for missing appointment?

Question

after a week of trying with the dentist on what my insurance would cover on his procedure, I cancelled day of after they told me they would know by then. I told them can't do procedure if I don't know how much I am responsible for. Seems like I am being scammed. What do I do? They are charging me an extra $300!

Answer 1

I wouldn't worry about it. If they had a week to let you know what your charges would be and still didn't give you the amount, I don't blame you for cancelling. I bet they would like it less to have to collect money you didn't have AFTER the dentist did all the work. I've heard most places have a last minute cancellation fee, but it isn't $300. I would seek dental treatment elsewhere. You most likely will have unfavorable dealings from now on with them. I don't know how easy it will be for you to get a copy of your most recent xrays since they feel you still have a balance, but you could try. Have the new dentist request them and see what happens.

Answer 2

$300 does sound like a lot. Most places I've seen charge $50-100.

You are fortunate to be dealing with an office that does direct billing, where they bill the insurance company first and you just pay the difference. Many offices make you pay the entire amount and then the insurance company pays you back the portion that they cover. You could have done it this way and still kept your appointment.

Most offices have notices posted on their cancellation policy and require at least 24 hours' notice. If you cancel the day of the appointment, they do not have enough notice to be able to fill that space. If their cancellation policy is clearly posted, you will be responsible for the charge. Sorry.

Answer 3

I work for an endodontist (root canal specialist) and we always take our own xrays, even if the patient brings them from another dentist. However, since they are for OUR benefit as well as yours, we do not charge. A couple of reasons for this: 1) the other office might have mixed up and given the patient the wrong set of films. it's scary to think about, but it DOES happen, unfortunately. you wouldn't want us to diagnose you with something you didn't need because the rightful owner of the xrays DID need a root canal, would you? 2) sometimes xrays are taken of a tooth/teeth and then additional work is done. the old xrays (prior to the crown, filling, what ever) do not show what the tooth really looks like now. 3) often, even if they are of the right teeth, and the right patient, the xrays are just not of diagnostic quality. not everyone takes pride in their work... 4) any xrays of more than three years in age are not considered to be current enough to recommend treatment from I do agree with you that you should have been informed of the additional charges when they spoke with you on Monday. If you plan to see this dentist again, let them know you were put out by the appointment being rescheduled and expect them to find you a time that works better into your schedule. Most of the time if you just get a little grumpy with whoever answers the phone, you'll get what you're after. No one likes confrontation!

Answer 4

When you became a patient of record at that particular office they should have informed you that there is a cancellation fee charge. $300 may or may not be high depending on the procedure that you planned on getting done that day. The dentist may have a policy that the cancellation fee will be a percentage of the procedure you were having done. Simply call the office, let them know you weren't aware that you were going to have to pay $300 if you cancelled and if they tell you that you should have been aware because you signed something (which I imagine you probably did when filling out the dozens of forms when you first became a patient there but payed no attention to) when you became a patient there then you're going to have to pay.

Answer 5

The dentist that I go to mandates a 24 minimum cancelation notice from you that you can't go or don't want to. Different dentists have different policies so I'd say research (but don't go asking yourself, because you're already in hot water with them they'll probably give you a biased answer against you or at least make it seem that way).

As for whether or not your insurance covers whatever they have to do all you probably need to do is call up your insurance agency and just ask them some questions. They have people willing to clarify almost everything you have regarding your insurance and if you don't I'd be really suspicious of an insurance without that! If you have a company-sponsored plan then check in with the company and ask them for information. As for that extra $300 you might as well pay it now and then if you're cleared of it in the future they'll likely give it back to you if everything's straightened out.

Answer 6

From your description sounds like they did not get the predetermination back from your insurance company on time for your appointment. They can charge you whatever they want, but can they collect it??? Keep good written records of 1) your appointment date they presented a treatment plan, 2) the appointment date of work was to begin 3) the date they gave you the insurance predermination of what would be paid and any phone calls you recall having to discuss the situation. If they take you to small claims court for collection you will have a good defense. I wouldn't pay it. They feel they own the patients these days!

Answer 7

$300 does sound a little high, but it is very standard practice for a dentist to charge for last minute cacellations or missed apointments. When you don't show up, or cancel last minute, they are losing money becuase they could have filled that time with someone else. It makes sense, but $300 is a lot!

Answer 8

HELLO,
MANY PEOPLE DON'T REALIZE THAT DENTISTRY IS A BUSINESS AND COSTS $ TO DAILY KEEP AN OFFICE OPEN.
DENTISTRY IS VALUED IN TIME. IF YOU DON'T SHOW UP THE DENTIST STILL HAS TO PAY ALL THE BILLS.
LOSS OF AN APPOINTMENT = LOSS OF $.
THE UNFORTUNATE OUTCOME OF YOUR PARTICULAR SITUATION COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED IF THE DENTIST GAVE YOU AN ESTIMATE OF WHAT YOUR INSURANCE WOULD PAY.

Answer 9

They really havn't got a leg to stand on, legally.

Do you really like this dentist? Will any other dentists treat you with your insurance? Switch.

And don't let them give you any s*it about "We cannot release your records until we are paid", just threaten to sue, doctors know that their insurance company will settle, and jack up his rates if you do, and will want to avoid this at all costs.

Depending on the state, he may or may not be able to negatively affect your credit, threaten to sue if he does.

Most doctors are money hungry pricks, you have to be the same way. SUE SUE SUE!!!

I hope this helps.

Answer 10

some places do charge for a last minute cancelation, but if that isn't written and displayed or given to you, you aren't responsible and therefore cant be charged