I've been seeing the same dentist for the past 15 years. Today I had an appointment and when I arrived, I was told that they couldn't see me because I have Medicare and they didn't accept Medicare. I've had Medicare for the past 7 years and have always paid cash. They said they could be fined if they saw me. Is this true or were they making that up?
Thanks, Ken
I would ask the dentist if they know that cash customers are being turned away.
Call and leave a message on the dentist's voicemail or go in and request to see the doc. Be loud if you are brushed off so you can be heard by the person that you want to speak with. The front office workers in medical offices tend to be beyond ignorant towards patients and many times their employer has no clue that they are behaving so out of line.
The reimbursement model gets too low - they can't afford the patient.
Also, you are paying cash, so what you are a member of or not a member of should not figure in things?
I would speak with your dentist again, ask what you are missing, and telling them you will take your/their story to the American Dental Assn. or the Dental Board of the State of ____________(your state) to ask for details. Tell them that you suspect there may be some patient abandonment here and you would like a letter of explanation as to why they can no longer treat you.
Have there been any problems between you and this dental group in the past?
This is only a thought that I am throwing out for the OP!
I have not used their services so I can’t recommend or not recommend them.
In my state there is a dental school run by a large university (LSU) that the public can use at discount rates.
I have no idea what the policies are at dental schools but I do know that the prices are greatly reduced.
Best of luck to you in finding dental care.
As Geaton says, they view it as complicated.
Seems crazy to me but I am no expert on this topic!
Once I took my brother to get insurance for his motorcycle. He had cash on him. The agency refused his cash.
It seems like cash is not always welcomed these days.