FINANCIAL POLICIES & DENTAL INSURANCE

While we are not contracted with any insurance company, as a courtesy to our dental insurance carrying patients we submit insurance claims providing all necessary supporting information. We assign the benefits directly to you as the patient, and your insurance provider will reimburse you directly. Dr Ratliff and our staff treat you based on your specific needs and what will yield the best possible result for your unique situation-- not based on the limitations of your dental insurance plan.

Dental benefit plans are designed to pay for only some of the costs of dental treatment. They differ from medical insurance in several ways including having an annual maximum. The annual maximum is the total dollar amount your dental plan will pay for the given year regardless of the provider you see. This normally ranges anywhere from $1000-$2500.

So, for an example, if your annual maximum is $1000 and you see your general dentist for a cleaning and exam for $250 then they refer you to our office for treatment; you arrive in our office with a remaining benefit balance of $750. Assuming your necessary recommended treatment total is $5000, and it is a covered service in your plan; your total dental benefit would be a maximum of $750-- even if your plan covers the services at 80%.

While all our fees are the responsibility of our patients, we will do our best to ensure the proper information is provided to settle your claim. Should you have questions regarding our insurance policy or settling an outstanding claim, please give our office a call.