Advanced Payment Question

I have a question about standard practice for payment. I've been going
to a dentist for over 15 years, and have never failed to show up for an
appointment, and I pay for services before I leave his office. I have
dental insurance that pays 80% for most work. Recently, my dentist
has been estimating the amount not covered by insurance, then requiring
payment in advance, before he will even schedule an appointment for
anything but cleaning.

In my case, I made an appointment last week for some minor work, so my
portion of the bill after insurance will be around $60. The office
manager ran my credit card, and informed me they were doing this
because so many people make appointments and never show up. It was a
small amount, and I imagined they would only put a temporary hold on my
card until the service was performed. Today I discovered that the
charge was put through on my card, a week before my appointment.

Since I have never caused this dentist any problem, I am considering
leaving his practice after this work. He does decent work, but we have
many good dentists in my city, and this new policy bothers me. I've
asked around, and I can't find any coworkers or friends who have to pay
their dentist in advance.

I'm just curious if this is considered standard practice by those in
this group, or if it is a new trend in dental practice.

Thanks!

.

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