dental services source for pricing ?

[Chevelle72]

Does anyone know a good source for current pricing in dental/medical procedures like this? the "code" they gave me is 4341 for Perio Scaling and Root planing, the quote is 425.00 per quadrant (i.e. times 4 or 1800.00 for whole mouth).

I'm mostly curious to know if the 25% discount I get is real or not. I have a dental policy thru COMPBENEFITS. I understand it's not actual insurance, but just a discount program I'm paying for. It's the best I can do, but I wonder if it's real? or do the practitioners just give you a inflated "rate schedule"? Sorry for being cynical, but I'd really like to know

I should mention costs i paid today before discount:
full set of dental xrays (this isn't just bitewings) $105
consultation with Periodontist $125

[NikoSan999]

If it were me...I'd go into ( preferably go in versus a phone call ) a dentists office or two if close enough together or even maybe 3.

I'd tell them that ( and yes, it would be a lie, sorry ) I'd been to the dental school ( and find out where it is..usually at a community college ) and they had said I needed whatever you are saying you need and ask their cost. Tell them you need to know in advance because you don't have dental insurance.

Alot of times it's higher if you have insurance versus no insurance. So make it clear you need to save up x amount and need to know what that amount is...
After 2 or 3 cost comparisons you'll know if you're being raked over the coals.

If you go with the place you are talking about in the above post and they suggest restilin ( not sure of spelling ) because of the numbers of the gum receding I know from my dentist that if the first time dosen't work it isn't going to work period. The restilin goes hand in hand with Perio Scaling if it's bad.
I went several years ago to a dental place in the mall. Did the "discount" thing. They did the deep clean or Perio Scaling and also the restilin. They had me coming back every couple months for the restilin...when I finally got tired of it and went to a real dentist he said if it didn't work the first time it won't work periodl...he said "They took you for a ride, how much did they get you for?" Which was several thousand dollars over the course of a year or so.

So beware, and I would definitely do the cost comparison between 2 or 3 dentists. Just don't forget to tell them you don't have insurance. That should also cover the so called discount you supposedly have.

Oh, and if you bought it at the place you are talking about having it done....double beware...that's what I did.

The $125 is probably a new patient set up fee. The Xrays are yours by law...this place has to give them to you if you want to use somewhere else. They legally have to. You bought and paid for them and it's YOUR medical.

Just check....they may be legit...you won't know until you do your own price comparison for your area.

[Chevelle72]

Thank you NikoSan! Good ideas. But I never fail to get caught in little fibs like that. They'll ask me where I went to school and if I had Mr. so and so for and instructor, blah blah. I'm not quick in that department, so I just don't go there .

Oddly enough I actually got feedback on Yahoo Answers. Someone from the MIDWEST said they had a recent quote on exactly the same procedure for < half the price. That got me digging. I called my old periodontist (who doesn't take my discount policy) and asked them for their standard rate per quandrant. They said $290.00 is their book price, but there can be some factors that change that. I do have all my wisdom teeth, i can understand how that could make a difference, but still $425 vs $290 ?

I also found a (new) website who gave an average cost for my area. Brighter.com. Yes, They are trying to sell a "discount" dental policy, but they gave local dental offices who accept them. I called one and had good feedback from staff there. I learned some regular dentist have hygenists who are qualified and can perform this procedure. i.e. you don't have to see a periodontist. Big difference in price.

Enough details for now. If anyone want's more info, post here and ask. I'll share