Is my dentist a fluke?

Question

I have a dental HMO...meaning that the dentists office gets a check every month to cover all of the expenses of the HMO patients. I pay nothing to the office, only to the insurance company.

My first appointment with him for a cleaning and exam too no more that 7 minutes. He didnt' ask me any questions, didn't talk to me about anything, took xrays and didnt tell me about them...just took them. I even told him that 3 years earlier my dentist told me that i had a few cavities that didnt need to be filled yet. He didnt even mention that he saw those...i know they didnt go away!

This last time, I went with some jaw pain (TMJ) and he didnt even look in my mouth or anything. I sat in the chair and the hygenist put a bib on me and when he came in the room all he said was to take advil and that he would write me a refferal to an oral surgon. He didnt even look in my mouth at all or touch my face or anything...it took about 25 seconds and i was on my way out.

Answer 1

I would have refused to budge until I got answers to my questions. If he doesn't answer them find a new dentist. You are paying him and need to know.

Expect respect! Demand it....don't be intimated. Ask him your questions and if you freak, write them down ahead of time so you can read them off. Surely the HMO has other dentists.

Answer 2

I have never used a HMO dental plan but this kind of treatment is unacceptable. You need to contact CIgna and file a complaint. They are paying this guy to take care you.

I would start by calling Cigna and then complaining in writing.

Most likely your plan will only cover cleanings every 6 months. Make sure you mention to Aetna you want another cleaning since you really did not get one. If you don't let Aetna you may not be able to get another cleaning unless you wait 6 months.

Answer 3

You should make your displeasure known to the HMO.