If you need to visit the dentist, the last thing you want to worry about is whether your insurance will cover your dental procedures. Insurance can be very confusing, and with all the terminology, it’s no wonder we get so many questions from our patients. One of the most common questions from prospective patients is whether our dental office is in-network or out-of-network. Most people choose a dentist that is in their network because they think that’s their only option, but the truth is that there is more to it than that. So, what do you need to know to navigate out-of-network dental care? Let’s take a look.
In-Network and Out-of-Network Coverage: What’s the Difference?
First, you need to understand how your insurance company decides which dentists are in-network or out-of-network.
If your dentist signs a contract with an insurance company, they agree to charge patients based on the amount dictated by the insurance company. If you have dental insurance with this company, the dentist who signed the contract would be considered in-network. This rate can be significantly lower than what you would pay if you went to an out-of-network dentist. A lower price for dental work sounds good, doesn’t it? The issue is that some dentists will try to make up the difference by seeing too many patients a day. This can lead to the following issues for the patient:
- Longer wait times
- Less time spent discussing your needs
- Less time spent performing dental services.
- Certain necessary dental services being denied
- Lower-quality materials being used
No one wants their dentist to rush through a procedure or take shortcuts, right?
What Happens if You Choose an Out-of-Network Dentist?
You need to know that the choice is yours; you can choose an in-network or out-of-network dentist to perform your dental work. At Dental Wellness of Charlotte, your oral health is of the utmost importance to us; we won’t cut corners when it comes to your dental needs. With that being said, we know that cost is a real concern for our patients, but we’d like you to consider not only the short-term costs of choosing an in-network dentist but the long-term costs as well.
Receiving less expensive, lower quality dental work now may lead to a great deal more expense later if something goes wrong. Make sure to check the price both in-network and out-of-network and compare the two. You may be surprised; sometimes the two prices aren’t much different. It’s best to spend some time doing your homework when it comes to your dental insurance.
Do You Need a Dentist in South Charlotte, NC?
At Dental Wellness of Charlotte, our top priority is your oral health. That means that we don’t cut corners when it comes to the quality service you receive or the materials we use. If you have any questions or concerns about your dental insurance coverage, we are happy to help. You can reach us at (704) 317-7337 for more information or to schedule an appointment.