WWYD?: dental hygienist no longer in network

[daisyd]

After my recent dental hygienist visit I was told my insurance is no longer in network. The practice had apparently emailed all impacted patients 6 months ago. I don't seem to have received an email although I get all their other emails including weather related closures etc.

They recently tried to charge me for a "late cancellation". Their cancellation policy states 24 hours and I had given them 1 week's notice. After speaking with a receptionist who acted like she was doing me a huge favor, I had this charge canceled.

The out of network fee my insurance covers is about half of what the practice charges. I feel blindsided. Part of me just wants to move on from this practice and consider this a part of life etc. Part of me wonders if I have a voice in this at all. WWYD?

[SnuggleBuggles]

Did you double check your spam, junk, promotions…folders? I have people whose email lands in multiple folders. No guarantee that it’ll actually hit my inbox.


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[o_mom]

I would find another practice. I am partial to our dentists, but the hygienist I don't feel strongly about. Our visits are billed under the dentist, though, not the hygienist.

[PunkyBoo]

I would move on and fight any charges they try to pin on you for your recent visit.

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[bisous]

I would find another practice. I am partial to our dentists, but the hygienist I don't feel strongly about. Our visits are billed under the dentist, though, not the hygienist.

This is what I'm thinking. Not all hygienists are excellent but I'm sure you can find a good one that is in network and more reasonable about cancellation charges, etc.

[SnuggleBuggles]

Oh, and I would totally switch practices too.

[jgenie]

I would switch practices.


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[KpbS]

Time to move on to somewhere else!

When a former neighbor asked for recommendations in our neighborhood fb group, she was flooded with suggestions.

[daisyd]

Thanks all. Switching practices was my gut feeling too. Looks like I need to suck up and pay for this visit as they charged. I got a "too bad, not my problem" response when I appealed. Not a good feeling but at least I tried. I tend to be non-confrontational to the point of not trying to appeal. Anyways, thanks for listening.

[Twin Mom]

Since they are not willing to work with you I would definitely switch. If you have an FSA or HSA you could submit the claims for reimbursement for the portion your insurance didn’t cover.