do everything we can to honestly help you maximize your benefits. As a
courtesy to the people who come to us for care, we can accept assignment
of benefits (payment of part of your bill) from the insurance company
directly to us. However, we find there are fewer conflicts when you have
them reimburse you directly. It is essential you keep several facts about
dental insurance in mind if we are to have a meaningful relationship:
The intrusion of third parties in any relationship has the potential to confuse and distort that relationship. Many patient/doctor relationships are threatened or destoryed when insurance companies imply a knowledge of reasonable, necessary, customary, or usual therapy or fees. It is important to keep in mind that the relationship between a person and their insurance company is purely a financial contract, having nothing to do with that person's health or well being.
You have a maximum coverage per year from $750 to $2000 depending on your specific policy. When these plans were introduced in the 70's they had the same maximums as allowed today. In other words, accounting for inflation over the last 20 years, your $1000 benefit per year is equal to about $250 today. Had the various insurance companies increased their benefit on a year by year basis reflecting increases for inflation only, your benefit would be closer to $3500 per year.
We ask that you understand and agree that we neither work for the insurance companies or the benefit packages they offer. Dr. Gaugh does not diagnose or render treatment according to any insurance table of allowances. Fees are based on the care, skill and judgement necessary, and by the cost of operating a dental office dedicated to excellence.
Lastly, we believe that a cooperative effort between you and our office will result in a dental service that we are proud to render and you are pleased to recieve. We intend to help you fulfill your needs in a way that adds significant value to your life and ours as well.