GeorgiaCorgi
Member
Just thought I would bring this to the attention of the forums. In case anyone else was unaware of how things are at Tidewater after their change of ownership.
A few months back I was told by a dentist at Tidewater in Lexington Park that I should see the orthodontist, and that they could get me a no cost consultation. I agreed, and they scheduled it. I went to the consultation, the orthodontist's assistant took pictures of my mouth and x-rays before I saw the doctor as part of their standard procedure for consultations even though I insisted I only had a few questions for the doctor. This didn't bother me too much as I figured in general the doctor can't be expected to know what the patients needs are without seeing what problems they may have. After seeing the doctor we agreed that orthodontics likely won't fix my issue and I may need to see an oral surgeon at some point in the future.
That was that, or so I thought.
I recently received a bill for almost $300 for this visit. When I called to ask about it, they said that while the consultation was free the imagery taken during the consult was not. The imagery that had to be taken before I was even able to see the doctor and ask any questions is apparently not part of the "consultation". And since my insurance wouldn't pay for it (I don't have dental insurance, I was planning to pay for any work out of pocket if necessary) they say I am responsible.
This is absolutely reprehensible behavior and I will not be returning to Tidewater and I will recommend to everyone I know that they should also avoid these people. In my opinion they are crooks, and if I had the time, knowledge, and the patience to pursue this in small claims court I would. And if you do go to Tidewater and are comfortable with their service and care, please keep this in mind if they recommend you take any "free" consultations with their associates and have them put it in writing that it will be no-cost to include any imagery or labs.
A few months back I was told by a dentist at Tidewater in Lexington Park that I should see the orthodontist, and that they could get me a no cost consultation. I agreed, and they scheduled it. I went to the consultation, the orthodontist's assistant took pictures of my mouth and x-rays before I saw the doctor as part of their standard procedure for consultations even though I insisted I only had a few questions for the doctor. This didn't bother me too much as I figured in general the doctor can't be expected to know what the patients needs are without seeing what problems they may have. After seeing the doctor we agreed that orthodontics likely won't fix my issue and I may need to see an oral surgeon at some point in the future.
That was that, or so I thought.
I recently received a bill for almost $300 for this visit. When I called to ask about it, they said that while the consultation was free the imagery taken during the consult was not. The imagery that had to be taken before I was even able to see the doctor and ask any questions is apparently not part of the "consultation". And since my insurance wouldn't pay for it (I don't have dental insurance, I was planning to pay for any work out of pocket if necessary) they say I am responsible.
This is absolutely reprehensible behavior and I will not be returning to Tidewater and I will recommend to everyone I know that they should also avoid these people. In my opinion they are crooks, and if I had the time, knowledge, and the patience to pursue this in small claims court I would. And if you do go to Tidewater and are comfortable with their service and care, please keep this in mind if they recommend you take any "free" consultations with their associates and have them put it in writing that it will be no-cost to include any imagery or labs.