I got this request from a website visitor regarding a dentist I know in Louisiana. I forwarded it to his office, but then also wrote an e-mail to the patient and thought I would share this with you. This dentist is an excellent general dentist, not in our cosmetic dentistry network, but a fine general dentist, and I felt the patient was making a mistake with the approach he was taking.<\/p>\n
“I was Dr. X’s patient for years but unfortunately he’s not in my insurance network. I was trying to get his e-mail address to send him a list of available dental providers in Baton Rouge so he could recommend one. Thanks for your help.”
\n– J<\/p>\n
Dear J,
\nThis is Dr. David Hall. I’m a dentist who runs the company that services Dr. X’s website. I just happened to see your request, and it has been forwarded to Dr. X’s office. But I thought I’d offer a word of advice.<\/p>\n
I have run a dental blog for many years where I answer questions by patients, and I can tell you that I have seen many sob stories of dental care that started with this move that you’re about to make – you have a dental insurance plan<\/a> that doesn’t include the dentist you have trusted for years, you switched to the dentist that accepted your insurance, and that is when all your troubles started.<\/p>\n What is going on behind the scenes, that you don’t see, is that the insurance company is trying to cut costs. They probably approached Dr. Collins and all the dentists in the area with their discount fee plan and Dr. Collins was one of those dentists who said, no, I can’t maintain the quality of services I wish to provide and cut the corners I need to in order to accommodate your fee schedule. So the insurance company has found a group of dentists who are willing to cut those corners, and now you’re about to trust your mouth to their care.<\/p>\n I would think twice about that.<\/p>\n With most of these plans, you can see a dentist of your choosing if you’re willing to pay a little more. I’d really suggest that you look into that option.<\/p>\n Dr. David Hall<\/p>\n Links: Read more about preferred provider plans<\/a>.<\/p>\n