There is no doubt in my mind that when we use our own hard-earned money to purchase a product or service, we are much more aware of the need and most assuredly the value of that purchase. When someone else is picking up all or part of the bill, we may not be as diligent in assessing the cost as related to the benefits received.

In dentistry, we believe that our country is moving to a two-tiered system of care. On the one hand, there will be the managed-care or some type of insurance driven system, where a third party will be involved in the decisions on what care is rendered aswell as in the payment of that care. The other system will be private care and that is where this practice is headed. In this system, the patient and the dentist decide what treatment is to be rendered, even though the patient may receive financial assistance from an insurance entity. At the present time, we do not participate in any managed-care programs, but as aservice to our patients we do accept assignments from most insurance companies.

In the private care model, the patient is responsible for all charges incurred, regardless of what the insurance company or other third party agrees to pay. We believe that this system leads to lower dental costs and healthier patients. We will always assist you in receiving the maximum benefit to which you are legally entitled from your insurance coverage.

Below is a composite view of the different ways you may take care of your financial responsibilities in our office:

1. Payment is due a time of service unless a written financial agreement has been made in advance.
   
   
2. We accept Mastercard and Visa credit cards as well as personal checks.
   
   
3. We offer the opportunity to take care of the charges over time for services totaling in excess of $300.00. You may choose to spread your payments over 90 days without service charges by paying 25% at the time of service and 25% per month over the 3 month period.
   
   
4. For our patients who need extended credit terms to achieve their oral health goals, we have made arrangements with Care credit to provide considerable resources at competitive rates. Our most popular plan allows payments over a 12 month period at no interest.
   
   
5. We follow standard credit practices as do most small businesses. We do not discriminate in any way with the exception that one’s past credit history is used in determining how this credit will be extended. We have a high trust for those we serve and will do whatever we can to help you get the treatment you want. Please feel free to discuss your particular concerns with our Business Coordinator.