Clem72
Well-Known Member
Just wanted let everyone know of my headache-of-the-day, as I am sure many of the local retirees and/or federal workforce has BC/BS insurance.
Over the years I have had lots of issues with tidewater sending me erroneous bills long after service was completed (usually with a red 90 days past due bill, despite it being the first one they sent).
Almost always this was cleared up with a phone call or two, I never actually owed anything. This time I get a bill for more than $100. Turns out in addition to the normal x-rays they did my last visit, they also did a panoramic x-ray (which BC/BS tells me they do not cover).
Now mind you, I don't have any dental issues, and have no cavities. I go in for simple cleaning and don't even get the fluoride treatment. So when they told me I NEEDED x-rays, and I asked why, the response was because my insurance would cover them and I should get them just to be on the safe side.
But when I call and ask why they would offer an unnecessary service, that's not covered by my insurance (which they should know, it's the #1 insurance in the state), in addition to the normal x-rays which they also performed, the lady on the phone told me they perform services based on need and not based on which insurance you have. So I guess she needs to communicate that to the dental tech.
So if they try to talk you into x-rays remember to opt out of their bullshet panoramic one (unless you have bad teeth I guess or just like to pay for unnecessary stuff) because you may not get reimbursed and the old style x-rays still work just fine.
Anyways, just an FYI and of course my opinion only.
Over the years I have had lots of issues with tidewater sending me erroneous bills long after service was completed (usually with a red 90 days past due bill, despite it being the first one they sent).
Almost always this was cleared up with a phone call or two, I never actually owed anything. This time I get a bill for more than $100. Turns out in addition to the normal x-rays they did my last visit, they also did a panoramic x-ray (which BC/BS tells me they do not cover).
Now mind you, I don't have any dental issues, and have no cavities. I go in for simple cleaning and don't even get the fluoride treatment. So when they told me I NEEDED x-rays, and I asked why, the response was because my insurance would cover them and I should get them just to be on the safe side.
But when I call and ask why they would offer an unnecessary service, that's not covered by my insurance (which they should know, it's the #1 insurance in the state), in addition to the normal x-rays which they also performed, the lady on the phone told me they perform services based on need and not based on which insurance you have. So I guess she needs to communicate that to the dental tech.
So if they try to talk you into x-rays remember to opt out of their bullshet panoramic one (unless you have bad teeth I guess or just like to pay for unnecessary stuff) because you may not get reimbursed and the old style x-rays still work just fine.
Anyways, just an FYI and of course my opinion only.