Columbia Dental, P.C.

Revdex.com: I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted] , and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me as long as I get a discount on dental work performed in the upcoming visits Sincerely, [redacted] ***

This patient had done extractions and immediate denturesThat means the denture was fabricated before the time of extractions and the denture is inserted immediately after extractions so that the patient would not leave without teethSourness following after extractions is very common
Apparently our dentist adjusted the dentureThe patient felt better however the denture was looseOur dentist placed a temporary material(soft relining) and instructed the patient to bite down completelyThe patient became very agitated and began to swear that he cannot close his mouthAlthough we do understand the pain and suffering the patient is going through, this is an unfortunate incident that unfortunately we could not avoid on our daily routine of dental practiceAs a practice, we are willing to do anything to accommodate our patientsIf the patient has lost his faith and trust to the dentist that tried to help him, we can accommodate him with another provider or issue him a refund

***
I had to research this one and one of my people reached out to the patient and all should be fine
Thank***

I'm very sorry that Ms*** had such a difficult experience at Columbia Dental.Ms*** came into ColumbiA dENTAL ON 7/25/for treatment and was seen by Dr***. On 8/1/Dr*** prepped her mouth for a three tooth bridge. The cost was $of which
$1,was to be paid with insurance and $was the expense of Ms***. She didn't have the money and was unable to obtain a loan through channels so we took the financing ourselves to help her out. She put down $to secure the appointment and start the procedure. At that point it the patient needed to have a root canal on tooth #31. The patient agreed to have it done but was unprepared for the cost. We put her on a plan for $at $per month for months (again financed directly by Columbia Dental). Then the patient needed a root canal as well for tooth #29. Knowing still she could not afford another charge we waived the fee so she received that root canal at No Charge. We were doing our best to make the patient happy and finally put the bridge on her.Ms*** was informed along the way, signed the treatment plan for the bridge, signed the payment agreement, Again, I apologize that her experience was not everything either we or Ms*** desired. I do not believe her solution is the correct one, but we would be more than happy to work something out coming to Columbia Dental to make her whole and satisfied. *** * *** ***Columbia Dental, PC

A response with a treatment plan was made directly to Mr*** which I'm also copying hereFrom: *** *** ***Date: July 22, at 12:15:PM EDTTo: ***
***Subject: Proposed Treatment plan attaché for Tooth #
Dear ***,
Treatment
plan attached as you requested, for your root canal therapy our general
dentist recommendation is to see endodontist (root canal therapy
specialist)Call your insurance to find an in network specialistIf
you need to see our in network specialist than you may have to see Dr
*** in *** and for your post & crown procedure our
doctors in *** location can help youLet me know if you need any
future help.
Thanks,
***
Office Manager
Columbia Dental
** *** ***
*** ** ***The treatment plan was also attached to the email with pricing for Mr*** to consider

Complaint: ***
I am rejecting this response because:
I seems that this office is indeed trying to discount my claimI made this complaint because I accompanied my daughter to her appointment, and I was the individual that the office manager directed his questions and unprofessionalismThis incident occurred in the *** *** office on June 8, 2015.
Sincerely,
*** ***

Complaint: ***
I am rejecting this response because: 1) there are a number of inaccuracies in their response, 2) I never received a final treatment plan, and most importantly, 3) they did not respond to the complaintI called three times and left messages to talk about getting a final treatment plan and was told that someone would contact me and I actually visited the site and discussed the matter with the office manager, who assured me that someone would contact me to discuss my treatment planI was very interested in continuing at Columbia but could not get them to respond to my contactsI then learned from another dentist that the crown that was placed over my implant was not tightly sealed (and I have X-Rays to prove this) That crown may need to be redone
As I stated, Columbia did not respond to my complaint Instead they provided a chronology of my visits
Sincerely,
*** ***

Revdex.com:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ***, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me
Sincerely,
*** ***

Patient came to the *** office in Columbia for a
comprehensive exam on 11/15/with *** ***Patient was referred to consult
with oral surgeon, *** *** in New
Haven, to remove a certain number of teeth
with IV, which patient complied and had taken care of, patient was also
referred by *** *** to see *** ***, the periodontist/prosthodontist, in regards
to his gums and the pre-existing implant that needs abutment and crown
restoration
At first consult with *** ***, on 11/23/2013, patient was still
not feeling well because of the surgery he had just done the day before;
thereby, patient opted out of getting perio evaluation, *** *** then advised
patient to get us the pre-existing implant brand information, so that we may
consult next time and order the compatible attachments parts for the implant
Patient complied with that requestOn 1/04/20214, patient was given the
treatment of cost for the abutment and crown of the pre-existing implant, since
that was priority, as well as a plan for scaling and root planning, patient
signed and was given a copyOn 1/18/2014, implant abutment and crown was
inserted, and the next step was to begin the scaling and root planning.
During the fourth visit, on 02/01/2014, *** *** proposed a final treatment plan to the patient, which included implants,
core buildups, and crowns for varies teethThe scaling and root planning was
started on the lower arch as wellThe change to the plan occurred during the
scaling and root planning, when his pre-existing bonding on his lower teeth was
removed, thereby we had to treatment plan to replace that in the next visit
Patient signed the final treatment plans, and was given copiesThe last time
we saw the patient was on 2/15/2014, *** *** finished the scaling and root
planning on the upper arch, and re-bonding the lower anterior teethPatient had
requested his x-rays to be released to him on that same day, he signed the
release consent form, and copies of the x-xrays were given to him on the same
day
Generally doctors propose a treatment to the patient, and patients make a decision to move forward with the treatment
The patient is more than welcomed to come see *** *** for any further concerns so that we may help him in any way we can

Dear Mr***Submitting this complaint a year and a half after the procedure because you account went to collections does not appear to be a valid complaint, especially with insults cast about. You had a wisdom tooth extraction. The pain from an erupting wisdom tooth is very
strong, but certainly not a case in which we would take advantage of you. We were there to take it out. We took a panoramic x-ray which is the x-ray taken to look at the positioning of the wisdom teeth. That was the only x-ray for which you were charged.I'm sorry you misunderstood the ad we had for consultation and x-rays It was really meant for those without insurance as an aid to those who have nothing. It has nothing to do with taking advantage of insurance companies as it is appropriate to bill insurance companies for work done, which is why thee is insuranceIt is more unfair to take advantage of us when you have insurance to aid in your payment. You also talk of all sorts of exams, for which you were charged the simple limited exam, the smallest costing examination. And finally you were charged for the surgical extraction of *** *** **. You and your insurance company were charged the lowest fees for the work done to relieve you from your pain, which appears to have worked with no ill effects. Instead of complaining there should be some gratefulness that we were there and took care of your issues.What the insurance company covers and doesn't cover we are not responsible for. Each plan is different and you should be responsible enough to find out what your coverage entails. You are the one paying for your coverage and should know what it is you're getting. We went over what we would be doing with you and you signed a valid consent. You've made a single payment of $92.40 on the date of service and have ignored every statement and notice since that time. I believe it is time you lived up to your end of your insurance agreement of a $deductible, a $co-insurance and $left on the balance.Sincerely,Jeffery M S*General ManagerColumbia Dental

Dear Ms [redacted],I want to assure you that you've been heard.  I apologize for the poor experience you had both in [redacted] and with our billing department.  Your experience is not a common occurrence and I'm happy you reached out to voice your concern.  We will strive to...

make sure no one else has such experiences.Sincerely,Jeffery S[redacted]General ManagerColumbia Dental, PC

The patient [redacted] was misinformed that her insurance would cover sedation for only 2 extractions. We do feel badly that [redacted] would have preferred to undergo the procedure with sedation but unfortunately her insurance denied coverage when we submitted pre-authorization....

Pre-authorization is done before confirming with the patient what procedures will be covered. The reason sedation was denied was that only two teeth were being removed. Because insurance did not authorize the sedation and the doctor knew this was [redacted] wish, before the procedure the doctor informed her that he would provide a referral to the hospital that would be able to inform sedation or they could do the procedure that day with nitrous. We always try to ensure our patients is informed of all of their options before a procedure to ensure they are fully satisfied and comfortable with their care. [redacted] agreed to undergo the procedure with nitrous that day and the procedure went well. The two teeth that were removed were the two teeth scheduled to be extracted on her treatment plan, which can be confirmed by any follow up with any general dentist or in our office. 
Again, we did give [redacted] the option for a referral and she made the choice to do this with nitrous only. We apologize for any miscommunication that [redacted] felt happened concerning insurance coverage and hope to see her continued care with us at Columbia Dental.

Good afternoon. 
I apologize for the delay in responding to this complaint. The General Manager position has been eliminated at our company and the email was not received. I have updated the email so that we will receive and response to complaints promptly in the future. If...

you could, please follow up that the new email all correspondence will be is : [redacted] 
My name is [redacted], I am the Executive Assistant for Dr. M[redacted], the owner of the company.
I spoke with the patient this morning and this afternoon and checked into his records. This patient has not been billed for any services. Once I am able to get in touch with him (I have called twice and left messages) we can have him come in to go over a treatment plan with our Treatment Coordinator. The insurance will not be billed until we have an estimate of the work that is completed.
We will do our best to make sure the patient is fully aware of any outstanding balance he may have before the bridge is completed, and that any and all miscommunication and misunderstanding is resolved. We feel very strongly that our patients concerns are of utmost importance and I will personally ensure this issue is resolved in a timely manner. 
Thank you 
Kimberly L[redacted]

Revdex.com:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint...

ID [redacted], and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me as long as I get a discount on dental work performed in the upcoming visits.
Sincerely,
[redacted]

Dear Ms. [redacted],I am sorry you are having billing issues.  Trying to predict exactly what an insurance company is going to pay for a procedure is an inexact science.  We don't know if  or why they are going to downgrade a procedure so  we do our best to get to a...

number as close as we can but it is only an estimate.  This procedure was also done on a Sunday so there is no one to check with at the insurance company for the time of service.  HoweverOur billing department is in receipt of your medical insurance so we've submitted a medical claim to see if anything else would be paid on your procedure.  Many times there will be a fax back request put in for the breakdown of the insurance.  The true answer is that the patient is responsible for the balance, however we're not so cu4 and dried as that.  The manager of the Norwalk office has been attempting to reach out to speak with your directly.  His name is [redacted].  His phone number directly is ###-###-####.Mistakes do happen and I apologize for our mistake.  Thee was no intent to mislead you.  If you are not happy after speaking with [redacted] please do not  hesitate to contact me.Sincerely,Jeffery [redacted]General ManagerColumbia Dental, PC###-###-####[redacted]

We're very sorry that Mr. [redacted] feels as he does.  Columbia Dental is not out to take money if it is due to another.  This is somewhat of a complicated case because it deals with a primary and a secondary insurance.  We don't know what other dental offices do for [redacted] we do...

our utmost to follow the rules established by the carriers.  His account was audited and found  there was not "extra" money to give to him.  He had an initial $25 payment due for fillings from his deductible.  Every other visit was paid at 100%.  The insurance allowed a higher fee once paid.  He actually owed $75 for work done in 2011 but we adjusted that balance off without him paying for it.  He was never charged $5 for any administration fee.  His last account activity was in 2014 and has not come back to Columbia Dental for any other work.We wish him well and he doesn't even need to thank us for adjusting off the $75 from his account.  
 
Thank you

We would be happy to see [redacted] again in our [redacted] office.  He just needs to make an appointment at his convenience when [redacted] is in the office.  We will be happy to reevaluate the crown and if there is an issue we would be more than happy to rectify the issue.  We did state this in the last response.  We can't do anything if [redacted] does not come in..

Thank you for your time in working with us on this issue. Unfortunately the haste in which the complaint was filed did not allow for any extra time to speak to a representative that was able to resolve the issue. The issue...

has been resolved as of January 3o, 2016 and I would like to retract the Revdex.com complaint on Columbia Dental. Please feel free to contact me via my email or through a phone call at ###-###-####.   V/R [redacted]

Review: I would like this to be a warning to others. The staff and office manager at the [redacted] branch of Columbia Dental have treated me in a very disrespectful and unprofessional manner. I was a patient for several months and had a number of dental procedures done. However, I was never presented with a comprehensive dental treatment plan. The plan seemed to change from week to week. Prior to having two implants inserted I called the office three times and left messages for someone to contact me regarding my treatment plan with no resulting response even though, each time, I was told that someone would contact me. On the fifth occasion, I went to the office and spoke to the receptionist and office manager who assured me again that someone would be contacting me. It has been over two months and no one has contacted me. Since that time I've gone to another dentist and have been told that the seal between my gums and the crown placed by Columbia Dental is not tight and I may have to have it replaced. Not a very good job!I hope this helps others from making the same mistake and choosing to go to Columbia Dental.Desired Settlement: Would like to have the crown placed by [redacted] redone. I do not want to risk my implant failing.

Business

Response:

Patient came to the [redacted] office in Columbia for a

comprehensive exam on 11/15/2013 with [redacted]. Patient was referred to consult

with oral surgeon, [redacted] in New Haven, to remove a certain number of teeth

with IV, which patient complied and had taken care of, patient was also

referred by [redacted] to see [redacted], the periodontist/prosthodontist, in regards

to his gums and the pre-existing implant that needs abutment and crown

restoration.

Review: The worst dentist in the world, this people just took advantage of my situation I was on pain and need an extraction they did All kind of X-rays.They advertised free exams for the first visit but once they find out that I have insurance just took advantage and start doing all kind of exams.They sat me an dirty chair and guy that doesn't look as dentist plus he looks so confused that he ask what I want him to do. I refused to be attended by this guys and ask for another dentist nothing different but I just need the extraction.horrible service I feel treated like an animal when the dentist was pulling my teeth out was the worst experience of my life.Back to the billing they charge me $91 at place then I received a bill for another $90 that they said my insurance didn't cover some X-rays so they only paid $116. So the cost for the horrible experience was around $320,but I refused to paid $90 because they didn't advised me what they doing with all X-rays and now they said the free exam is only for people without insurance of course they hit the insurance companies than they hit customers.Desired Settlement: I would like tha they stop charging me for the last $90 that acourding with them I still owe.They should reimburse my insurance company for taking advantage of them and my painful situation.

Business

Response:

Dear Mr. [redacted]Submitting this complaint a year and a half after the procedure because you account went to collections does not appear to be a valid complaint, especially with insults cast about. You had a wisdom tooth extraction. The pain from an erupting wisdom tooth is very strong, but certainly not a case in which we would take advantage of you. We were there to take it out. We took a panoramic x-ray which is the normal x-ray taken to look at the positioning of the wisdom teeth. That was the only x-ray for which you were charged.I'm sorry you misunderstood the ad we had for consultation and x-rays It was really meant for those without insurance as an aid to those who have nothing. It has nothing to do with taking advantage of insurance companies as it is appropriate to bill insurance companies for work done, which is why thee is insurance. It is more unfair to take advantage of us when you have insurance to aid in your payment. You also talk of all sorts of exams, for which you were charged the simple limited exam, the smallest costing examination. And finally you were charged for the surgical extraction of [redacted]. You and your insurance company were charged the lowest fees for the work done to relieve you from your pain, which appears to have worked with no ill effects. Instead of complaining there should be some gratefulness that we were there and took care of your issues.What the insurance company covers and doesn't cover we are not responsible for. Each plan is different and you should be responsible enough to find out what your coverage entails. You are the one paying for your coverage and should know what it is you're getting. We went over what we would be doing with you and you signed a valid consent. You've made a single payment of $92.40 on the date of service and have ignored every statement and notice since that time. I believe it is time you lived up to your end of your insurance agreement of a $50 deductible, a $29 co-insurance and $79 left on the balance.Sincerely,Jeffery M S[redacted]General ManagerColumbia Dental