Re: Boutique dentists

Do you understand how an HMO is set up???

--
> After examination, I have been advised by my dentist I need a root
> canal. Although I have received acceptable care for several years at
> this chain, my last interaction was unpleasant and I think I will seek
> the care elsewhere. Furthermore, my HMO offers substantial financial
> incentives to utilize their dentists.
>
> I understand that this root canal procedure will require a crown. Since
> the tooth is one of my upper front teeth, I am concerned about cosmetic
> quality. I see ads on tv often for clinics that claim they specialize
> in cosmetic dentistry, and appearance improvement.
>
> Will a dentist at my HMO do as good a job as one of dentists that
> advertise?


Let's see,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, well, your regular
dentist will get about $800-$1300 for the crown to help pay the $150-$210
lab fee and the $300-$450 of office overhead during the time you are in the
office. Hmmmm,,,,, well, your HMO dentist will get $10 a month for the
time you are enroled inhis/her office until such time as you opt out of the
plan or register at a different office.

What do you think????



..
> Furthermore...
>
> If I vainly decide to do more work now to correct my somewhat crooked,
> unevenly spaced smile at this time, will my HMO dentists do as well?

Your HMO dentist will use the cheapest labs, cheapest materials, treat you
like part of a cattle herd, and make it very difficult for you to get care.
OR,,,,,,, they will bait-and-switch you to a procedure which is not covered
by the plan which will end up costing you (perhaps) more than what your
present dentist would bill for it.


> Is my age, 50, any impairment to this larger issue?

Welcome to the over-50 club. It is easier to match teeth on people our age.

> Can an "ordinary" dentist do a root canal as well as a specialist?

Those GP dentists who have the training and the interest, can do an equally
good job.


.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Boutique dentists
    ... These are procedures that an HMO cannot provide. ... Getting the best care ... >> incentives to utilize their dentists. ... >> I understand that this root canal procedure will require a crown. ...
    (sci.med.dentistry)
  • Re: Dentists getting robbed in California- a message for other dentists
    ... >I know some of those HMO practices, I do not want to give names. ... LA is very saturated with dentists ... >> run the practices are doing well since they sign up with 20-30 HMO ...
    (sci.med.dentistry)
  • Re: Root Planing and Scaling
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    (sci.med.dentistry)
  • Re: Dentists getting robbed in California- a message for other dentists
    ... I know some of those HMO practices, I do not want to give names. ... > california its different there are very few dentists up there. ...
    (sci.med.dentistry)
  • Re: fair charge for dental work?
    ... No one ever gets a deal with HMO dental insurance. ... Every dental office I ... > patient is probably a fool. ... but I presume dentists have an idea how much work ...
    (sci.med.dentistry)