Thursday, May 26, 2011

Why are more and more doctors, dentists, and specialists saying no to medicare patients?

At my dentist visit yesterday (actually dental emergency) one of the assistants told me they no longer accept medicare patients. I'm also hearing through the news media that other care providers want nothing to do with medicare. Will the trend of not accepting medicare continue if the democrats health reform passes? I actually have no insurance and received a 5% discount plus $100 dollars off my bill for paying cash.
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>Will the trend of not accepting medicare continue if the democrats health reform passes? Most likely. Why should a physician accept a lower payment from the government when someone else can pay cash.
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Is there any dentists that do pro bono work?

I have about six broken teeth in the back due to old fillings coming out that have broken to the gumline, also I had work done on a tooth in the front by a dentist who I feel did a very poor job and is now looking discolored. I cannot afford insurance and have been denied for medi-cal. I am very scared because I don't see how I will be able to afford such dental expenses that I know my situation requires. I live in Sacramento California and any information would be appreciated.
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Some dental schools have free dental clinics. Closest dental school I could find is in SF
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Pet Insurance?

My lil dog's teeth need to be cleaned. I got him from the pound about 2 years ago and they did not take care of hom properly. His teeth were infected and some needed to be removed. I paid the 300+ dental fees. Once again we couldn't save his other teeth they were too far gone still. I am dreaded the 300+ dental...please help! I need some good dog insurance! Anyone know of any good companys to go with?
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It's unlikely you'd find an insurance policy to cover your dog for any further dental treatment, because his poor dental health and tooth decay would be classed as a pre-existing condition. Essentially, once your dog has been diagnosed as needing attention for a particular condition, insurance won't pay out on successive treatment. Insurance is in case you ever need treatment, not for once you know you're going to need it. Best thing to do is just google some pet insurance companies or look some up in the yellow pages, call them up and ask what their policy is on pre-existing conditions and situations such as yours particularly. ASPCA, PetPlan and PetCare are all ones friends of mine have given good reports of, but no gurantees.
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How much were your wisdom teeth extractions?

Currently a poor college student, of course with no adequate dental coverage. I am in the process of pulling out (2) wisdom teeth and am wondering how much were the total charges? I'm talking pure charges here, before your insurance took care of anything. Also, please indicate how many you decided to take out, and which anesthetic you chose (IV vs. local or both). Thanks a Bunch.
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I had ONE wisdom tooth removed, it was impacted - so HAD to be removed. I had both the general anesthesia and the local - this was recommended, because he had to slice my gum open with a scalpel, hammer the tooth, excavate it and sew me back up. The total cost was $900. This excludes consultation and possible 360 x-ray, that was an additional $170. The surgeon recommended for me to take all four wisdom teeth out, but I decided against it. It must be noted that the anaesthesia where I went to charged per 15 minute sessions, so in a way - it would make more sense to remove ALL of them at once.
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Deep dental cleaning question?

The dentist told me I needed a "deep" dental cleaning today which is covered by my insurance but the "most important part" is the antibiotic called Arestin which is not covered and will cost me $125 per tooth and I need 15 done of course. Anyway... the question is this; Is this Arestin mandatory to get a deep cleaning? This happens everytime I go to a dentist. It's more like a sales pitch where they try to jack as much money as they can out of me. This time, I honestly don't have the money to do this and I refuse to put it on credit. They try to push me on Care Credit as soon as I hesitated. Anyway...do I need this Arestin or is it just a sales pitch?
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I would go for the deep cleaning...but the antibiotic is not covered because it doesn't have a predictable outcome... I would do the cleaning then a follow up with the anitbiotic prescription mouth rinse Chlorhexidine Gluconate Oral rinse 0.12% (brand name Peridex) for 3 months(30 sec. rinse 2X day) and then have an evaluation at that time to see how the gums responded. I have found this is a good protocol and if you are under 40 will probably give a good result....over 40, when you re-eval, then see what happens.....
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please help I'm keep getting it wrong show ur work?

nancy is single and claims one exemption she earns $3,400 a month. a health insurance premium of $50.00 and a dental insurance premium of $25.00 are deducted from her earning. find nancy's net pay. use the tax rate of 7.65% for FICA and use the percentage method to find FIT. show ur work
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hey i got that one too but my exams didnt come back i had to do it like 3 times so when it comes back i will see if thats right
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Car rental insurance included on a credit card?

I've seen similar questions on here but am still confused. I called Visa and they said that my Visa Gold card has CDW insurance on it, but I should ask to purchase the third party liability insurance from Enterprise. I called Enterprise and they said that they only offer CDW and some kind of "medical/dental/stolen items from within the car" insurance. They said they own their own cars so I don't need 3rd party liability, and I'd be fully covered if I just use the Gold Visa CDW. (Btw, I don't have my own car or any separate car insurance). So am I okay to just go with the Gold Visa CDW? Or does that sound funny to you too?
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Answer from a General Insurance Agent CDW = Collision Damage Waiver. It only covers damage to the vehicle being rented. No "Liability Insurance", which the law requires is afforded by CDW. Take care
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Did I get Cheated? My daughter had surgery to remove an impacted tooth.?

The dentist/oral surgeon wanted to do the operation at a hospital instead of his office. Everything went great untill I had to pay for it. I got stuck with the entire bill, because my dental insurance said "it was a medical proceadure" and my medical insurance said "it was a dental proceadure. What can I do to make these dead beat insurance anancys pay their part?
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Boy, sounds like what i went through with my son when he was born. You need to talk to the dentist office and get them to change the way they are filing the claim. Tell them exactly what's going on and if you keep on them about it, they'll change the way they are filing it. You'll never get the ins. companies to change their policy.
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What should dental procedure codes D0150 (comp. oral eval) and D0210 (complete x-ray series) include? s?

I already posted here about in- network bad dentist in Illionois and have scheduled new appt with a different dentist. Called my insurance company to get a complaint form. They don't seem too concerned about paying this guy for services he did not perform and can not give me the specific definition for these codes on my EOB. They are the same codes on my EOB from last year in Indiana. Dentist in Indiana did complete exam of every tooth and full x-rays (bitewing and panoramic). Dentist in Illinois did 20 second exam of a couple of teeth (not kidding!), did not record anything and only did bitewing x-rays because he told me panoramic x-rays were a waste of time. He is billing of the exact same codes as my dentist in Indiana! What exactly should a COMPREHENSIVE oral evaluation include? What should COMPLETE x-rays include? Canceled husband's appt with the first dentist and he went to the second dentist and had the complete everything like we are used to. Should I pursue this?
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According to the CDT (current dental terminology) booklet release from the ADA...D0150 is a comprehensive oral evaluation. "This would include the evaluation and recording of the patients dental and medical history and a general health assessment" I'll be honest with you...of the two codes you gave this is the most vague. I have done exams that were comprehensive in a few minutes and some in 45 minutes (Depends on the number of problems and whether the dentist wants to go over all the problems the day of the appointment....some dentists especially if you are new will only discuss your chief concern on your first visit and discuss other problems later..I don't...but some do). D0210 is intraoral-complete series (including bitewings). (D0330 is for a Pano). While this does not include a pano, it does include more than 2 to 4 bitewings. Most often this is approximately 18-20 radiographs with the bitewings. So it sounds like this guy could be ...well you know. I will also add a panoramic is great for diagnosing issues with the jaw....but is terrible at diagnosing decay. I would recommend them but can see why this dentist would argue to the contrary. As for pursuing this , well if he is charging for it and not doing it then he is wrong but if the insurance companies aren't complaining then there isn't much you can do other than not recommend your friends to go there. Good Luck
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Insurance+Veneers- HELP?

I heard there may be certain circumstances where insurance will pick up 40% of the cost for dental veneers, what are these circumstances??
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honestly, first check out www.mybenefitsplus.com/lgraham it is cheaper then dental insurance plans and covers ALOT more. Plus its only $19.95 a month. Good Luck!
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Treatment for periodontitis?

My dentist informed last week me that I have periodontitis. 32 of the pockets are 4 or 5 mm deep. He recommended that I have a "deep cleaning" done. I am interested in getting the scaling done, although expensive since I don't have dental insurance, but without the proposed antibiotics treatment as I cannot afford the additional cost of antibiotics. In the meantime, I have been educating myself about gum diseases, and I am not sure whether I should get the scaling done since it appears that "flap surgery", in many cases, follows. My question is whether there is some home care treatment I can follow to reduce the pocket sizes without getting the scaling done. Your answers will be much appreciated.
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Unfortunately, there are no home remedies for periodontitis. Periodontitis results usually from the presence of hardened tartar on your tooth roots below the gumline. The hardened tartar are masses of germs, and they are irritating and breaking down the connective tissues in your gums and underlying bone. The only way to stop that would be to get rid of the tartar below the gumline, and there are no home remedies that can do that. The only way to remove tartar below the gumline is to scrape it off, and that's what the scaling and root planing (SRP) does. Flap surgery is to reduce the depth of the pockets so you won't get tartar trapped so far below the gumline. Sometimes it's necessary if dirty things are still getting trapped below your gumline despite the SRP. The peridex rinse mentioned by the above poster works to prevent plaque buildup, but it's not intended for long-term use-- prolonged use can stain your teeth. Hope this helps.
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How to get dental care?

I know a guy who is in need of dental care badly. He is unemployed, with no insurance, and needs help. It hurts him to eat because his teeth are in bad shape. He says " I can't even enjoy food anymore. That is sad to hear. I believe he thinks that they will have to be cut out and dental care is very expensive. We live in Kentucky. I don't know what to do I have been trying to find something out on the internet. Does anybody know any options to help him get the dental care he needs?
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I'm not sure about Kentucky but check into dental clinics which are usually in hospitals. I hope you find something for him. It's shameful how expensive dental care can be in the US.
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My tooth has a HUGE cavity?

I have a tooth with a huge cavity in it. I don't hve dental insurance and we are kinda broke right now. It hurts a little but it is a baby tooth. I think it is becoming a little loose so it may fall out soon. If it does, do I need it filled? Its a back tooth. Help!
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If it falls out then the cavity will be gone... Just make sure to brush your teeth WAAAAAY better even if you have been brushing really well. Make sure to brush for at least 2 minutes and floss. Since it is a baby tooth, I am guessing that you are still in elementary school or middle school (JR. High) so you can just let you parents worry about that. Then again you could just make friends with a dentist.
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Self Employed Health Insurance?

My father just quit his old job, he couldn't work there anymore (Too long commute and we lost a parent, so he had to stay closer home for the family) So now he is self employed. We are trying to find insurance that will cover him, 4 children, vision (we all wear glasses) + dental. Does anyone have any suggestions? (We live in PA)
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I purchased insurance from Celtic insurance. They had a good HSA for a family and reasonable rates. Good luck!
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Dental options, what are mine?

I am 27 and do not presently have dental insurence...not that I am not looking for coverage, but I have a very low income and it's hard to find affordable insurence in Michigan. I found recently that I HAVE to have my wisdom teeth removed. They are starting to cause stress on my other teeth. So I don't really have a lot of time nor do I have many options at this point...they have to come out. I just don't know what to do. I can't find a dental sergeon willing to remove the teeth without insurance or full payment upfront. I would like to find someone that would take payments, I am just not having any luck. Any ideas or suggestions?
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try www.Insurance Desk.com I saw someone suggest this web sight as one for low income uninsured patients... good luck ?
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how much would i pay?

I have a ppo dental insurance plan I just enrolled in. I need to get my wisdom teeth removed, but there is a 6 month waiting period before my insurance covers 50% of the cost. If i have the procedure done before 6 months, would I still get a discount or would I have to pay the full cost of the procedure? ( I would call the insurance company, but its the weekend, so there not open, thats why Im asking yahoo answers)
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if people could claim at the start of insurance the company would not have a waiting period. Its there for a reason and so I doubt you would qualify.
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dental school?

i need dental care and some people said i need to go to dental school because its free since i dont have any insurance. is there any one who can help me by letting me know how this dental school thing works and where are those schools located in baltimore area.
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The University of Maryland Dental School. The Dental School is Maryland's predominant provider of comprehensive and emergency oral health services for individuals of all ages, including the underserved and disadvantaged. for further details; http://www.dental.umaryland.edu/aboutBCD…
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I have health insurance... but...?

I STILL can't afford to see a doctor. I went to my family doctor back in September because I knew I had a sinus infection. As per usual, I was told that no - I, in fact, did not have one. Went back the very next day feeling worse. Voila! I do have a sinus infection! Now I'm $209 in debt. Great. I can't pay that. My insurance plan has a $2500 deductible. I can't pay that. Ever. I make less than $10,000 a year after taxes. So, my insurance is utterly useless unless I land in the hospital. I also can't find an affordable clinic (and I mean under $50) to visit.... and now I fear that I have a UTI, which is something I must see a doctor to get taken care of. Where do I go? What do I do? Is there cheaper insurance out there with Rx coverage and dental coverage? I currently pay a little over $100 a month with the aforementioned $2500 deductible. Is there a clinic in SE MI that I can afford that will see me with less than a 5 hour wait? Or less than a 5 month waiting list for an appointment? I mean... Seriously... WTF do I do? I'm pulling my hair out just trying to see a doctor to get some antibiotics.
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And they keep telling us we have the best health care in the world?!? Check with your local social services department. They may be able to direct you to locally funded clinics.
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Need a dentist, but have no insurance.

I need some major work done on my teeth but have no insurance. I also had to file bankruptcy 2 years ago and have no credit. Is there a dental group or dentist that would do work with a monthly payment plan or something. I need 2-3 thousand dollars worth of work. I have a good job and long employment history. Would that be helpful. I live in the Sacramento, CA area.
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Hello, try this site: www.healthsavings.ourperfectcard.com I signed up online over 5 years ago now and have saved thousands of $$$ since. From root canals, crowns, braces, xrays..etc. All services are included in this very affordable plan. Also, try to work out a payment plan with the dentist, that worked for me when I got my braces. They even had my benefits active in 2 hours and was able to use it the very same day. Hope this helps.
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Do you have a right to your dental x-rays?

I went to a dentist last year.I had a plan "A" & a plan "B".for fixing my teeth.I had asked him to please submit both plans seperately for pre-estimate to my insurance company. both plans were put together and extractions weren't listed .i called after waiting awhile.to asked if they would seperate & re-submit the plans to my insurance company.i really needed to what debt i would owe.( i had to have carpal tunnel surgery on my right hand in '06) i wanted to be sure i could pay my part for both teeth and hand. .well, i waited & waited.i finally called my insurance company a month later.and they said they never re-submitted the plans.So,as "07 i had to find a new dentist & start all over again.but the first dentist i pay my $50 deductible and about $200.00 for one extraction. i felt i had no choice but to extract the really bad tooth.and go on with the hand surgery. I could wait for the pre-estimates any longer.Do i know have a right to ask for my x-rays,they don't need them?
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Michael is pretty much on the money with one exception. The new dental office CAN NOT request copies for you legally. That is part of the HIPAA law. Some offices will do it for you but most will ask you to either call or might even have a pre-printed fax sheet to send that you would have to sign. Thats how i do it. As far as charging for copying of xrays, the law clearly states that a reasonable fee may be charged to duplicate. The law also clearly states that outstanding balances DO NOT need to be paid off prior to copying. A lot of offices will hold balances over your head. Get your films and get another opinion.
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WI. was able to give full health care coverage to every Uninsured worker & their families,It can Work?

The Governor raised the cigarette tax $1.** and used the tax $ to cover every uninsured worker and their kids, This is Full insurance coverage including Dental.It even paid to build new dental centers state wide. It is working well here and could for the country. Would you approve of Gov. Paid insurance coverage if the tax $ came from a Cigarettes tax?
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Sure it can work. But I agree it shouldn't be the cigarette tax, that's already as high as it can go in many places without causing bootlegging and it puts a burden on low income people who are more likely to smoke.
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If you have full insurance, how much do you need to pay in hospital bills for a birth?

I had my first child, and was living in Arizona, and qualified to be on the state assistance, AHCCCS. I had a full-time job but still qualified, because I didn't "make enough money" and I was single (engaged). My husband and I got married when our daugther was 5 months old, he works for the state of Arizona so he has excellent health insurance coverage--it covers medical, vision and dental for ~$150 a month. We were just able to add our daughter, I am not able to get on until open enrollment which is in November. I am trying to think of how much we will have to pay in hospital bills... I never saw even the first birth amount, the only thing I saw was the $1500 epidural bill, but that ended up being covered by insurance. I had an appendectomy while still covered on that insurance (no, I haven't been on it for about 8 months now because I don't qualify anymore) and that bill was $30,000. I don't know why I didn't see the first hospital bill? Any ideas? We are getting used to the idea of another child, but he wants to see how much insurance will cover first. Hope this kinda makes sense and isn't too rambled lol. Thanks, kind answers only!! :)
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you need to contact your insurance company. NO ONE can answer how much the insurance would cover since EVERY insurance is different! i have $15 office visit co-pays, but lab work, ultrasounds and things like that are no cost to me. I also do not pay anything for delivery or hospital stay.
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Health Insurance...?

I need health insurance which is good and not expensive, good dental coverage ... what would you advise?
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Health insurance and Dental insurance are two separate policies, however, some companies will have dental as an option. The bad news for you is good insurance is not cheap and cheap insurance is not good. You can find policies that are not as expensive as other policies but you will give up benefits. With insurance you get what you pay for. Contact a local agent that works with all the major companies in your area. The agent can find the best policy for your situation and budget. There is no extra charge using an agent. There is no way to recommend a policy for you here. Policies are different depending upon your state, even from the same company, and your needs will determine which policy you get.
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Are there any real big consequences for not going to the dentist,even if you have no cavitites/other problems?

I know someone who hasn't been to the dentist in like 11 years. They have insurance through their job, but the insurance is poor and the deductibles are high. The person brushes and flosses regularly, and has no known dental problems, not even cavities.
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Tell your friend to see his dentist. Even with regular care of your teeth, bits of food and plaque can build up onto your teeth over time until it gets really bad. Your friend needs to get better dental insurance. Look around, I come from a low-income family, yet I have dental insurance. Tell your friend to get it done.
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