Estimated Plans
As a courtesy, in addition to filing the claim, we may initially ask you for your estimated co-payment upfront. Please understand that this is only an estimate, and it is based on the information available to us. The range of benefits depends solely on what your employer wishes to purchase. Some plans may cover as little as 30% or as much as 100% of dental services, with most falling in the 40% to 80% range.
The financial obligation for dental treatment is between you and our office. The insurance company is responsible to you, and not to our office. We will be happy to assist you in any way that we can. Once your carrier has paid the claim, any difference will be due upon receipt of our statement. If for any reason, we have not received your insurance carrier’s payment 30 days after the claim, the remaining balance will be due and payable by you.
The insurance company may try to dictate the treatment by considering some services to be unreasonable or unnecessary. In any event, you as a patient will be responsible for all the charges for the services provided at our office, which may not be paid for by the insurance company.
Insurance company allows a certain limit of dental expenses per year. Based on the type of treatment the benefits vary. The insurance company pays a percentage of the expense depending on the type of service provided.
However, when an insurance company says that they cover 100% of a certain service; they mean 100% based on their fee schedule and not necessarily our office fees. This may leave the patient with a balance toward his or her treatment, despite the insurance company claiming to cover 100% of that type of treatment.
We occasionally face the following questions from our clients. Most patients are unaware of their dental benefits. They feel that similar to medical insurance they will only have to pay a fixed office co-pay during their dental visit. Unfortunately, dental benefits are quite different. They are categorized according to the type of treatment; for example, routine cleanings, check-ups, and x-rays are considered preventive treatment; fillings, root canals, extraction, and deep cleaning are considered basic treatment; and crowns, bridges and dentures fall under the major type of treatment.
Our goal has always been to provide quality care. We use the best materials and supplies available in the marketplace. We thoroughly evaluate our laboratories and support services before using them. Once chosen, these establishments have to maintain their standards to continue to be our service providers. We have an excellent staff of qualified professionals, and we take the time necessary to provide quality treatment. We won't compromise the quality of our work. Our practice has grown and continues to grow through referrals from our patients.
We do not participate in any plan that would encourage a more ‘retail’ philosophy of practice. Dentistry is a service, not a product. There is enough diversity in today’s dental marketplace for everyone to find a practice whose values they share. We hope this adequately describes our values.
We Accept All P.P.O Insurance Plans
Think you can't afford to get treatment done now, think again!
Thank you for choosing us as your dental care provider. We are committed to delivering the highest quality care in a transparent and respectful manner. Please review the following policy carefully.
Payment Policy:
- Full payment is due at the time services are rendered.
- Acceptable payment methods:
- Credit Cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express.
- Debit Cards
- Cash or Personal Checks
- Prepayment Discount: A 5% discount is available when full payment is made at least one week prior to your scheduled appointment.
- Returned Checks:
- A $25 fee will be assessed for the first returned check.
- A $35 fee may be charged for any subsequently returned check (CA Civil Code 1719).
Deposits for Services Over $500:
- A 50% deposit is required at the time of booking when treatment totals more than $500.
- This deposit is non-refundable if the appointment is cancelled or rescheduled with less than two (2) full business days’ notice.
Insurance Information:
- Your dental insurance is a contract between you and your insurance company.
- You are financially responsible for all services provided by our office, regardless of insurance coverage or reimbursement.
- As a courtesy, we will:
- Submit a pre-treatment estimate upon request.
- Submit cthe laim electronically to your insurance provider.
- Provide a claim form if you prefer to submit.
- If your insurance has not paid within 60 days, the outstanding balance becomes your responsibility and may be charged to your card on file with prior written authorization.
- Need help understanding your insurance benefits? Just ask, we are here to assist.
Missed or Late-Cancelled Appointments:
- We require at least two (2) full business days’ notice to cancel or reschedule your appointment.
- Missed or late-cancelled appointments may result in a $50 fee, which will be charged to your account or credit card on file, with prior consent.
Minor Patients:
- The parent or legal guardian is financially responsible for treatment provided to a minor.
- If the party responsible is not present at the time of service, the credit card on file will be charged, as authorized in advance.
Credit Card Authorization:
By signing this agreement and completing the separate Credit Card Authorization Form, you authorize our office to charge your card for the following, as applicable:
- Balances unpaid by your insurance after 60 days.
- Missed or late-cancellation fees.
- Returned check fees.
Medical Debt Reporting Compliance (SB 1061 – effective 7/1/25):
In compliance with CA SB 1061, we do not report medical debt to any consumer credit reporting agency:
A holder of this medical debt contract is prohibited by Section 1785.27 of the Civil Code from furnishing any information related to this debt to a consumer credit reporting agency. If such information is knowingly furnished, the debt shall be void and unenforceable.
Billing Disputes and Patient Rights:
We are committed to transparent billing. If you believe your bill contains an error or have any concerns, please contact our office within 30 days of receiving your statement. We will review and respond promptly to resolve any issues.
Language Assistance:
If you require this policy in another language, please notify our front desk. We are committed to serving the needs of our diverse patient community.
Acknowledgement and Agreement:
I have read, understand, and agree to the terms outlined in this financial policy. I accept responsibility for all charges incurred and authorize the office to process payments as specified above.
I understand that any legal action to collect unpaid balances will be based on this written and signed agreement, in compliance with California AB 1414.