Frequently Asked Questions  » What happens at my first appointment?  » Do you take insurance?  » How are your fees?  » How do you bill?  » What happens if I am late for an appointment or have to change an appointment?  » Do you follow current guidelines for sterilization and safety?  » What if my insurance carrier says they will not cover something that has been recommended by the     dentist?  » I still have questions, who should I talk to?  » I'm ready to set up an appointment, what next? What happens at my first appointment? Your first appointment includes a comprehensive exam with the doctor and a complete set of x-rays. The initial exam gives us a chance to see what your dental needs are, as well as your phobias, anxieties, questions, and concerns. We ask that you come in about 15 minutes early to fill out your patient registration, and to give you some time to relax. You will have a chance to express any of your concerns and ask any questions. We will perform the necessary X-rays and a comprehensive oral evaluation. You and the Doctor will then go over a treatment plan and X-rays, then together we'll figure out the most efficient and comfortable way to fill your dental needs. Top Do you take insurance? We accept most major insurance plans, including: Washington Dental Service Delta Dental Regence BlueShield Premera BlueCross MetLife Aetna United Concordia The Guardian Mutual of Omaha WellPoint (BlueCross of Califiornia) Ameritas We highly recommend you familiarize yourself with all of your insurance plans restrictions and benefits. We will make sure we provide as much information as we can, but remember your plan is a contract with you and your company. Top How are your fees? We are very competitively priced for the Eastside Seattle Area. And before we complete non-routine treatment, we will provide a treatment plan with an estimate of all fees, estimated insurance coverage, and balances for you. Please do not hesitate to ask about the anticipated cost of your treatment. You have the right to know about and understand our charges. We want you to feel that you have been treated fairly. It is also important to keep in mind that the term “Dental Insurance” is misleading. It is more correctly termed “Dental Benefits”. Dental Benefits are not intended to pay for everything, but to instead assist with costs of dental treatment. Generally dental benefits pay a percentage of each procedure up to a set yearly maximum. The benefits available to you are established by which plan you are on or which plan your employer has purchased. Please call John with any other specific questions. Top How do you bill? We will bill your carrier for all work performed that is covered under your plan. Any copayments and deductibles are required to be paid at the time the service is rendered as indicated by the parameters of your plan. If after your carrier has paid its portion of your bill, we will mail a statement to you. Statements are mailed when insurance payments are received and/or at the end of every month. If you are a cash patient, we ask that payment be received at the time of service. We accept VISA and MasterCard as well as personal checks and cash. We also participate in Dental Fee Plan by Capital One. Top What happens if I am late for an appointment or have to change an appointment? We understand that events can conspire against even the best of intentions. We have a philosophy of helping our patients achieve the best they can be. If a late arrival keeps us from providing you with the highest possible service to you, we will do what we can in the time allowed, then find a time that works for you. We will not lecture you or give you a hard time! We respect your time and do our best to stay on time. Unforeseen emergencies can throw us off-schedule. You are welcome to call in advance of your appointment to confirm our timing. Please give us as much advance notice as you can if you must change an agreed-upon visit with us. Top Do you follow current guidelines for sterilization and safety? Yes. We are up-to-date on all sterilization and disinfection techniques. We follow all recommendations and requirements of the governing bodies of Washington state, including WISHA/OSHA guidelines and the Washington State Dental Association. We regularly attend continuing education courses to update our systems and procedures for providing a safe, clean environment for our patients and our dental team. Top What if my insurance carrier says they will not cover something that has been recommended by the dentist? It is our obligation to provide the best dentistry for you. To do this, it is important that we do not allow dental benefits to be a determining factor in our diagnosis. Your treatment plan will be based upon your needs after our doctor’s clinical exam. It is important that we do not allow dental insurance carriers to dictate your treatment and tell us what they believe is the best care for you. Our primary concern, as we hope yours is, is to maintain your dental health. Top I still have questions, who should I talk to? If you have any other questions, please feel free to e-mail us or call us at 425.709.2468 and ask for John. Top I'm ready to set up an appointment, what next? You have a couple of options: Go to our Registration page fill out the paperwork and we will contact you with some possible times and days. Or give us a call and we will help you get started. Call 425.709.2468 and ask for John Top