Dentist, "Your insurance isn't a PPO, so take 10% off the coverage."

[SunnyD]

So it sounds like you do have a PPO after all? "Preferred" usually just means in-network.

One would think that, but that was just the general listing for providers via the insurer website saying that.

My actual coverage information for dental makes absolutely no distinction or mention of "in-network" or "out-of-network" provider/care/coverage, whereas my health insurance coverage does (dental is provided through the same insurer, difference coverage documentation). As I said, my dental is just flat coverage no matter what. No networks, no nothing.

 

[jaedaliu]

One would think that, but that was just the general listing for providers via the insurer website saying that.

My actual coverage information for dental makes absolutely no distinction or mention of "in-network" or "out-of-network" provider/care/coverage, whereas my health insurance coverage does (dental is provided through the same insurer, difference coverage documentation). As I said, my dental is just flat coverage no matter what. No networks, no nothing.

And we're all saying that you should call your insurance company and talk to someone to understand your plan and understand why you're getting charged extra.

That, and find a new dentist that honors your insurance.

 

[Carson Dyle]

- They tried to tell my wife a filling would cost something like $135.
- The last filling anyone in my family had done was about $84 (last year son had a small filling, poor kid badly needs braces).

Where do you live? North Dakota? The Philippines?? The last filling I got was in 1998 and it cost $130 then.

One thing for certain, you _must_ have someone in the dentist/doctor's office who knows insurance plans and how to file claims and who will go to bat for patients. After all, it's in their own interest, so there's no excuse not to have that someone. If an office doesn't do this for you, look elsewhere.