Smiles Of San Marcos

To whom it may concern;We had two consultations with parents; first one with father on 10/20/and second with mom 11/18/Dad was sent home with the treatment plan on 10/20/On 1/18/mom brought the treatment plan with herOn 11/18/mom consented to and signed the same contract that
had been given to Dad on 10/20/15, nothing was changedMom signed consent for treatment and financial contract for monthly paymentsShe made a down payment on 11/18/of SWe took records and impressions for appliances that dayWhy pay a down payment if you are not ready to start treatment? Why consent to treatment or sign a financial contract? Our assistants do not discuss financesOn 12/21/per financial contract when her credit card declined for her 1st monthly payment, we contacted momAt that time she informed us that she wanted to cancel her contract due to financesThe lab had already fabricated and sent us the appliances by 12/01/We billed parents for the records ($200.00), pre orthodontic visit ($25.00), and appliances including diagnosis, impression process, insertion, and activation ($ 500.00+$699.00)When she informed us she couldn’t afford it we reduced the charges to; records ($200.00), pre orthodontic visit ($25.00), and lab fees ($216.12) that we incurred, bringing the total to $Therefore she owes $In conclusion patient’s mom incurred a charge of 1,for the treatment that was provided before she canceledTo accommodate her changing financial circumstances we reduce the charge to $We understand financial constraints but we do have the right to compensation for work performedWith parents’ consent we would be happy to send you a copy of all signed consent and financial contract.Sincerely,Smiles of San Marcos

Hello,
 
My issue for complaint #[redacted] has been resolved with the company. 
Thank you,
[redacted]
Hello,
 
My issue for complaint #[redacted] has been resolved with the company. 
Thank you,
[redacted]
Hello,
 
My issue for complaint #[redacted] has...

been resolved with the company. 
Thank you,
[redacted]

Review: I signed up for orthodontic treatment from Smiles of San Marcos in January 2014, which was to last 18 months. In June 2014, I moved to the East Coast for a job opportunity. I had only received 6 months worth of orthodontic treatment, including records, braces (top and bottom), and two expanders (the first one didn't work out). When I signed up for the treatment, I was required to pay for the entire 18-months of service for the treatment. Even though I only received 6 months worth of orthodontic treatment, after calling the office on multiple occasions, I learned from them that I am still responsible for paying for the full 18-months worth of orthodontics. This adds up to thousands of dollars being paid for a service that I did not receive. When I called to see about having a refund issued, the office said that the contractual agreement required full payment up front, even if care is discontinued. This contractual agreement seems highly unethical, and is also preventing me from affording the necessary continuation of my care on the East Coast.Desired Settlement: I wish to be refunded $1,283 for the 12 months worth of orthodontics that I did not receive and have Smiles of San Marcos adjust their contract and billing practices to comply with industry standards. I have met with 3 orthodontists over the last 6 weeks who all have the same billing practices - $1000 paid up front and the remaining balance spread out through the course of treatment. If this same policy were to be honored by Smiles of San Marcos, I would be entitled to a refund of $1283 ($1583 less the $300 refund I did receive for the retainer that I will not be fit for through that office). If Smiles of San Marcos practiced what appears to be industry-standard billing procedures, it would have worked out as follows: $3375 was the total balance. $1000 paid up front, leaving a balance of $2375 to be spread over 18 months ($132/mo.). After 6 months, I would have paid a total of $1,792, which is a difference of $1,583.

Consumer

Response:

Hello,