Daniello Orthodontics

Revdex.com:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ***, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint. For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below. I most certainly was there on the initial visit, as I spoke with you while my daughter was picking out the colors of her retainer and you explained to me the processI also paid the dollars on my credit card dated 8/14/(if you would like a copy, one can be provided) for the visit and then was informed that I needed dollars in a down payment when the retainer came in, two weeks from that dayI encourage you to check your recordsI spoke with your staff and so did my mother regarding this issueMy mother explained to the staff that she was concerned about the fact that insurance didn't pay for it because when she scheduled the initial exam she told the office staff that we had Fidelis, they went ahead with scheduling the appointment, never stating that this insurance wasn't acceptedAgain, if I had known this, I would have found another way, other than to break my bank, to afford her retainer (i.einsurance)Although I like this facility, someone, somewhere, either got distracted or didn't hear the insurance carrier when speaking with my motherI wouldn't have accepted this and questioned it right away when I asked why the insurance was marked as "$0" on the contract when I was told the two thousand I was spending was AFTER insurance. As to why I haven't said anything: I hadn't heard from the business in response to this claim and if there were any communication between your staff and yourself (and seems like there isn't much), you would have known about the two times it was questioned by both my mother and myselfIf your staff had brought this issue to you, regarding the insurance or my dissatisfaction, I wouldn't have contacted the Revdex.com
Regards,
*** ***

At the initial exam, only the grandmother accompanied the patient, as Ms*** was not present. Following the examination, I discussed treatment needs with the patient’s grandmother and gave an estimation of treatment costs. In regards to insurance, I explained that some patients
have orthodontic insurance that may cover a portion of treatment costs but it depends on the dental plan and the insurance provider. My office accepts assignment of benefits from many insurance plans even though we do not participate with all insurance companies. The patient is enrolled in a New York state run dental plan that stipulates that subscribers must see a participating provider to be eligible for benefits. In regards to orthodontic treatment, being eligible for benefits does not guarantee the treatment will be covered by the plan even when seeing a participating provider. My office does not participate with the patients dental plan hence we are unable to bill them for any services. Neither my staff nor myself would state that we participate or accept the patient’s dental plan or expect any re-imbursement from this insurance provider. At no time did I directly discuss insurance with Ms*** nor did she ask me any insurance related questions. Following the exam, we offered the patient’s grandmother the opportunity to proceed with treatment by performing diagnostic records. We discussed the fee for this procedure and the grandmother agreed to proceed. At the next appointment, approximately 3-weeks later, her mother and grandmother accompanied the patient. During this visit, I presented the orthodontic treatment plan, inserted a removable orthodontic appliance for the patient and gave detailed instructions on how to wear and care for the appliance. My staff presented the treatment contract and payment plan with Ms***. The contract indicated no insurance payments were expected and no fee was due at this time. It was explained that at the next appointment, in approximately two weeks, the treatment and contract would start and the down payment would be due. At this point Ms*** was under no obligation to proceed with treatment. If they felt the fee was too much of a financial burden, treatment could have been declined. We also could have discussed other payment arrangements or if they preferred, they were free to seek out a provider that accepted their insurance. My office tries to be flexible with our payment plans since most of our patients are children and we understand parent want to be able to afford the necessary treatment for them. I am currently still treating the patient and have spoken to Ms*** on a number of occasions. She has not expressed any dissatisfaction with my staff, our financial arrangement or me. If she had, I would have spoken to her directly to address her concerns. I only became aware that a complaint was made when I received a letter from your office on Monday November 6th