Evrigenis Orthodontics

Review: I visited orthodontist [redacted] for a consultation regarding orthodontic work on March 2, 2015. Dr. [redacted] who, despite my urgent need to address my jaw pain, proceeded to excessively promote products relating to snoring, sleep apnea and bruxism He also exerted a great deal of effort in getting me to pursue additional care based on his referrals to a degree that felt inappropriate. He spent the majority of my consultation attempting to sell me products that did not even remotely address the primary issue of my visit my jaw pain and need for urgent dental realignment. It was clear that his primary concern was the promotion of high margin products and the bottom line of his practice. Eventually we moved on to my dental concerns but this, too, was very peculiar in that he proceeded to point at my x-rays and grumble and groan in disappointment as if to dramatically enhance the severity of my condition. Again, I couldnt help but feel as though this was some kind of performance aimed at enhancing the bottom line. He concluded the consultation with the recommendation that he take impressions prior to providing me with a quote. During my other orthodontist consultations, I was provided with a quote for treatment prior to taking impressions so that I am not committed to something that may be outside of my budget. However, Dr. [redacted] asked me to commit to impressions with a cost of approximately $200 before providing me with a quote for orthodontic services. It seemed to me that this business tactic was a bit unethical as it served to significantly reduce the patients ability to negotiate a fair price. Regrettably, I decided to take the impressions with the understanding that I would receive a quote within a reasonable time to that I may pursue treatment. At this time I was informed that the only other appointment available with Dr. [redacted] was a month out on March 23rd so I reserved that appointment with the understanding that he would be present and able to provide a quote for services. At the time of my appointment, one of Dr. [redacted] assistants informed me that the doctor would not be attending the appointment and then proceeded to give me a price range for services. It was then that I decided to schedule an appointment with another orthodontist as I was unable to obtain a quote for services or even a clear treatment plan for that matter.Desired Settlement: I am requesting refund for the cost of impressions as I did not receive a clear treatment plan or clear quote for services for an unreasonable amount of time after my scheduled consultation.

Business

Response:

Mr. [redacted] voluntarily called our office on February 16th, 2015, and scheduled for an initial orthodontic examination. The exam includes intra-oral and extra-oral photographs, panoramic x –ray, and cephalometric x-rays. This exam is complimentary. I saw the patient on March 2, 2015, and completed the comprehensive exam. At this visit I discussed his concerns and goals, and then I recommended obtaining impressions of his teeth for study models and further diagnosis. He was informed of the $174 fee for the diagnostic model impressions. He consented to the fee, and impressions were obtained. He then scheduled a treatment consultation for March 23, 2015. On March 18, 2015, Mr. [redacted] phoned the office and spoke with our scheduling coordinator, asking to be seen sooner for his treatment conference. The scheduling coordinator informed him that there were no appointments available until March 23, 2015. Mr. [redacted] explained that it was his busy time of year at work and asked if a phone conference on the 23rd was possible in lieu of rescheduling as he was in a hurry to receive his treatment plan. The scheduling coordinator and Mr. [redacted] agreed to keep his originally scheduled appointment, but changed it to a phone consultation, at his request. On March 23, 2015, my treatment recommendations for Mr. [redacted] were delivered via phone by my treatment coordinator. The treatment options and fees were reviewed with him. The appointments required for each of the treatment options was discussed. At that time, Mr. [redacted] informed us that he would be seeking additional opinions, and did not schedule another appointment. On March 26, 2015, Mr. [redacted] informed our office that he was not proceeding with treatment.

Consumer

Response:

Mr. [redacted]’ response is inaccurate in that I was provided with a price range during our scheduled appointment that provided no real value in addition to being nearly a month after my scheduled ortho-consultation.During this appointment, I expressed my disappointment for not having a specific price. The staff assistant stated that "the price could range from $900 to $1,500" and this is when I laughed because I thought it was ridiculous that they could still not provide me with a specific price. The staff's response was that "I needed to see a periodontitis and a dentist prior to developing a treatment plan". I was being prompted, antagonistically, to see their specialists and it seemed like they were withholding the real quote for my treatment plan until I followed through with their referrals. I contacted my own periodontitis and inquired about an appointment and was informed that the next appointment would be in April. Dr. [redacted]’ assistant immediately emailedme a referral form and instructed me to have them complete it for thatperiodontitis even though they, in fact, did not refer me to that particularperiodontitis. I could clearly see that they were not interested in treating me as much as they were interested in their bottom line. I decided it was time to schedule a consultation with two other orthodontists where I received a treatment plan with a specific cost the day of the consultation, which did not require me to spend any money up front. I had my braces on the following week and I did not have to go through all the trouble of generating referrals or did not have to sit through any presentations for bi-products for other oral conditions. I truly believe that it was Dr. [redacted]’ intention to get me to take impressions prior to providing me with a quote, thus locking me into a significant cost, and then stringing me along through several value added services such as various referrals and miscellaneous products related to sleep apnea and snoring. Despite what Dr. [redacted] says, I did not received a treatment plan or a price for treatment duringmy appointment nearly a month after my consultation. It is for this reason that I do not believe that I should be required to pay for any part of the service if it did not result in the delivery of a treatment plan and a specific quote for services within a reasonable period. As such, I would like to request a full refund of payment for impressions as Dr. [redacted] did not honor his side of the agreement by the timely delivery of a treatment plan and quote.

Business

Response:

Again, Mr. [redacted] contacted my office for an initial orthodontic examination. At this visit I performed a comprehensive orthodontic examination. I then discussed his concerns and goals. I recommended obtaining impressions of his teeth for diagnostic study models and further diagnosis. He was informed of the $174 fee for the diagnostic model impressions. He consented to the fee, and impressions were obtained. The issue is clearly complete. However, I would like to make an additional comment: · Upon my examination, I suggested he see a general dentist to evaluate his oral health and check for tooth decay prior to any orthodontic appliances. · I noted severely thin gingiva tissue apical to teeth #24 and #25. I obtained photos to document this. I suggested he see a periodontal specialist to evaluate this tissue, as any movement of these teeth could have severe consequences to his periodontal health. · I noted severe wear and enamel loss of teeth #8 and #9. These teeth had lost over half their length! There was also severe enamel loss on the palatal side. Why? What has caused that? Can they be restored to ideal length? And by whom? · I noted severe occlusal surface wear of the lower molars: teeth #18, #30, and #31. Why? What is causing that? · Both upper second molars palatal cusps were in an inappropriate occlusal position. Is they perhaps involved in what is causing his jaw pain? · On my health questionnaire, he wrote down that he was concerned of: “resting bite / teeth grinding / jaw pain are what I would change”. As mentioned, diagnostic records, including model impressions are needed to evaluate this. · On my health questionnaire, he completed the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. This is widely used as a cursory way to evaluate possible sleep apnea. A score of 9 and above is indicative for sleep apnea. He scored an 11. Again, why? It is my opinion this patient has significant oral health and occlusal issues. Obtaining appropriate diagnostic records (including study model impressions) is just one step in the process of evaluating his malocclusion. Other records needed include photographs, appropriate x-rays, and possible specialist consultation. I receive no financial gain or benefit when I refer a patient to a dental or medical specialist. That is unethical. Dr. [redacted]