Do you accept referrals?
Of course! Satisfied patients are our best source of new clients. Referring other family and friends is the highest compliment you can give us and we feel sure, after just one visit, you’ll want to spread the news that our practice is the place to be for quality dental care!
Do you accept my insurance plan?
The actual cost of treatment varies widely depending on the procedures, as well as whether the services are preventive, restorative or cosmetic. We believe that our patients deserve the best care. For that reason, we make every effort to present our patients with the best dental solution possible for their individual situation. Perhaps that’s why so many of our patients have raved about their results: improved oral health and function, and a better smile – all with financial payment options and plans personalized for their individual needs.
Some of our patients have dental benefits. If you do, congratulations! You are fortunate. We will help you determine the coverage you have available. We provide professional care to you, our patient. Therefore, the insurance company is responsible to you – and you, the patient, are responsible to the doctor. Our financial coordinator will help in every way possible in filing your claim and handling insurance questions from our office on your behalf. Here are a few things you should know:
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Your dental benefits are based upon a contract made between your employer and an insurance company. If you have any questions regarding your dental benefits, please contact your employer or insurance company directly.
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Dental benefits differ greatly from medical benefits. In 1959, most dental benefit plans had a yearly maximum cap of $1000. You’ll be surprised to know today that the average dental benefit plan has a yearly maximum cap of $1000. That’s right - there has been no significant increase in the yearly maximum cap in 40 years! However, there have been significant increases in your premiums. Dental benefit plans will never pay for completion of your dental care, but instead, is meant to assist you.
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Many people receive notification from their insurance company that dental fees are “above the usual and customary”. An insurance company determines their reimbursement level by surveying a geographical area, calculating the average fee, then determines that 80% of the average fee is customary. Included in this survey are discount dental clinics and managed care facilities, which have severely reduced dental fees that bring down the average. Any doctor in private practice will have fees that insurance companies define as “higher than usual and customary”.
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Many dental benefit plans tell their participants that they will be covered “up to 80% or 100%” but do not clearly specify the plan fee schedule allowance, annual maximum or limitations. It is more realistic to expect dental benefit plans to cover between 25% to 40% of dental services. Remember that the amount a plan reimburses is determined by how much your employer has paid for your dental benefit plan. You will get back only what your employer has put in, less the insurance company’s profit margin.
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Insurance companies do NOT recognize many routine and newer dental services.
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Our team members will gladly assist you in filling out the necessary forms to maximize your dental benefits and discuss your financial options. Most insurance companies send direct reimbursements within two weeks of service. Excellent dental care is available with or without dental benefits. If you have any questions regarding our policy, please do not hesitate to ask
Will I be charged if I need to cancel an appointment?
As the patient, you are responsible for keeping your scheduled appointment. However, as a courtesy, we will try to telephone you to confirm your appointment. We require at least 24-hour notice of cancellation, except in cases of extreme emergency.
What do I do if I have an emergency when the office is closed?
Drs. Amendolagine & Friefeld are always accessible. If a true emergency should arise, call our office number: 845-496-4710 and you will be instructed on how to get in touch with our doctors.
What different payment options do you provide?
We accept cash, personal checks, MasterCard, Visa, and Discover. We also offer several payment options so we can tailor your payment plan to meet your specific needs. Just mention this to us when we set up your treatment plan, and we'll work out a solution!
How can I safely whiten my teeth?
We offer custom made trays with a take home bleaching kit.
I'm a new patient and I know there is probably something I will have to fill out before I see the doctors. Is there any way I can get copies of any forms that you need me to complete in advance?
You can download patient forms from our web site, or you can call our office and we can fax a copy to you.
What are the office hours?
Monday: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Friday: By special appointment only
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