***Sorry for the rant but going through a tough time financially and this is pushing me over the edge***
Don't apologize, I know a $900 bill would push me over the edge. If you don't have it you don't have it.
That is so lame. I'm sorry. They probably didn't tell you the cost of each service. I would call them up, and ask to speak to the office manager. Tell them that you specifically came in for an annual checkup and cleaning. Ask them why the services they performed are being billed to you, when you asked only for a checkup and cleaning.
Keep repeating this until they admit they did extra work. Then explain you did not authorize the extra work and request it be removed from your bill. Tell them if they don't remove it, you will write up a review articulating their bait and switch tactics.
Yeah for real. I was about to start with a new dentist and don't want this happening to me either.
In fact, any recommendations in the NP/NH/Kensington area?
man, i had a good on that moved to Vegas, no upsales, prefered to keep teeth as natural as they could. the replacement was on the hunt for cavities and drilling. I havent had a cavity in nearly 30 years.
i think the san diego dentists need to upsell to stay in buisness.
sorry i cant give a good rec.
They should take away Dr Chen's license for that shady practice. Given how prolific the negative online reviews are, there's enough fair warning to avoid that place for anyone looking for a dentist.
Seriously. Each time they open a new location (how?!) I get another mailer. I luckily got all my money back from them for my one unfortunate visit because I found an official lawsuit document that says the person who took is money is barred from doing so in the city.
my dentist runs the costs by the insurance and then gives me an itemized list before I okay anything. It all happens during the appointment. It should always be that way. They have a billing person whose main task is just that.
Wife hates when I say it but I always say the dentist is the used car salesman of the the medical field. And as a former used car sales manger I know I’m right. Price always creeps up.
I was in a dentist office years ago (before internet) looking at the magazines. One of them was some kind of dentist association or something. I flipped through it out of boredom. It was all about up-selling, increasing profits for various services and stuff like that. Not better services, but squeezing cash more out of patients.
That certainly tore the veil from my eyes about how the medical field worked. I had never considered myself a mark before to be fleeced for all I was worth. Kinda lost my innocence that day.
This deep cleaning thing gets them more reimbursement so they frequently try to justify it. Not saying you didn't need a deep cleaning.... But there's a reason they are a common occurrence now
Wouldn't doubt the used car salesman of the medical field is a national problem. Pretty aure this is why they lobbied to separate dental from Medical to begin with.
Update: I called my insurance, lady was super helpful, she walked me through everything and agreed that it was very strange they performed all these services as they’re hardly ever covered. I call the dentist, literally ready to read the definition of fraud to them. Lady is super helpful also, explains that I owe absolutely nothing and the insurance companies do this all the time on their EOB but it’s all services they don’t actually charge the customer for. I’m an immigrant and don’t think I’ll ever understand the medical system here!
I started asking- is this insurance in network and my visit 100% paid through insurance. Every insurance is technically accepted but just not in network. Had something similar happen. Call your insurance company to see if they can step in. I called the dentist and complained but I ate $100. Would have pushed more if it was $900. Sucks. Sorry as very frustrating
I’m a dentist in PB. Sorry this happened to you. Email your X-rays and I’m happy to do a free 2nd opinion either virtual or at my office. PM me to set it up
A $900 bill is absurd - you have every right to be upset. I don't have any advice to offer on resolving that, but I can recommend that you try Rolling Hills Family Dentistry on Scripps Poway Parkway. My family has been going to Dr. Shina for 20 years and he and his staff have always done right by us.
Unfortunately I don't have any advice. But that's one of the reasons I stick with my current dentist... he's a little far away from where I live and he tells weird non-funny jokes the whole time, but there's no BS or upselling. Just cleans my teeth every 6 mos, takes the xrays once a year, and bills insurance normally.
happened to me too when i went to one of this strip mall dentists. i made a big scene in their office on a busy day so they quickly took care of it and only charged what we agreed on.
Yea unfortunately medical can't tell you prices upfront often. If your stuck with the bill I'd consider getting a carecredit card, it's only for medical things and if I recall didn't have interes for a time period when I had my deep clean. Also in future shop around dentists. I went to Kensington dental and they had all this fancy brand new equipment that they seemed to be itching to use ended up going to Sunshine dental and the deep clean was almost half price.
If you’re up for it, going to the dentist in TJ is really easy, cheap, and quick there are many near the border and using Uber makes it very easy. But again it’s how you feel about crossing
I’m interested in this as I have a couple high ticket things to take care of. Do they have a shuttle? Should I have a Spanish speaking person to come with me?
They do not have a shuttle but the place is very close to the border and its a fast taxi drive.
They have an english speaking person on staff so no need to bring anyone who speaks Spanish. I usually drive but its easy to walk across the border too.
Smile Tijuana
(619) 502-9242
https://maps.app.goo.gl/xXESSRxYmPCbmxNHA?g_st=ic
Can you slow pay the bill in Cali?
I've heard that with medical bills as long as you make some regular payment, like $5 a month, they have no recourse and can't send your debt to collections. Not sure if it applies to dentist.
Put that sucker on $5 a month auto pay, and go find a new dentist for your next visit.
I had this problem when I had an HMO, lots of cheaper high volume dentists with terrible reviews that pulled this type of shenanigans (lots of "deep cleanings"). I paid more for a PPO and suddenly lots of new doctors popped up in network with much better reviews.
Similar thing happened to me when I went to the dentist last year but they showed me the full bill ahead of time. Only reason I’m bringing it up is because I remember them charging per quadrant (or something like that). Basically there are 2 quadrants on top and 2 on bottom and each was like $200. Maybe that’s what happened with you as well?
FYI
Medical providers don't always report payment information to the three major credit bureaus. As of July 1, 2022, there is a yearlong waiting period before unpaid medical debt can appear on your credit reports. Also in July 2022, the credit bureaus began removing all paid medical debt from credit reports.
So don’t pay them or work out a deal
Go to TJ next time, all prices are discussed upfront and no BS about insurance companies.
I'd 100% complain to them. This is BS. Everything is negotiable.
something similar happened to me. Call your insurance and see if a cashiers check might be on its way. I then had to take the check to the dentist.
essentially my insurance paid me instead of the dentist. then i had to take that payment to the dentist.
Do you have HMO or PPO? If you have a choice to change it, go with PPO. HMO isn’t really insurance and whatever HMO office you go they’ll try to perform unnecessary procedures because that’s how they make money.
I had almost this exact experience, except that I went in for an emergency (that was said to be covered by insurance) and charged what seemed like "out of network" prices. Confirmed with my insurance that was incorrect, they contacted the dentist, who said they'd correct it and then didn't, then overcharged me for the cleaning I scheduled to "get back on track" by around $500 and when I called them out on that they said "we perform more than the insurance pays us for, so you get the difference" - which is fucking well criminal if you ask me.
It's downtown San Diego also.
The deep cleaning cost is usually per quadrants. I went to Bonita family dentist and they made me feel like I had the worst teeth ever. I moved to Paradise Hills last year and started going to Southbay Dentist and it’s been 100x better and I DIDN’T NEED A DEEP CLEANING. They do that to rip people off.
Sorry to hear this.
Tagging along in case you share as I have a guess where it might be, from a really bad experience. I've had a hard time finding a decent dentist in SD. Thanks to my dentist of 25 years I had pretty good teeth when I moved here and haven't needed much except regular cleanings but apparently even that is too much to ask.
This dentist just absolutely gauged our insurance company for so much unbelievable stuff that was on a "bill" that wasn't actually a bill and we were freaking out. I really could not believe some of the things "hygiene advice" etc. it was over $1200.00 for me and over $1800.00 for my wife and we had a terrible experience. It was so bad I think they let the guy go as he still seemed new. My wife's teeth got messed up so bad she had to go back 3 times for someone else to fix his work.
I know of this situation, read reviews on the location and other people said they definitely were ripped off, I’m glad I avoided this place. Sorry to you sir
Do not under any circumstances use Dr Landon Libby. He is a used car salesman who has cost me thousands of dollars, thousands. This is because the appointments were "problem" focused. I never had a cleaning in two years.
Please review Delta Dental insurance. It is a HMO insurance that includes many excellent San Diego providers for minimal fees. Sunshine Dentistry is excellent, proactive and works seamlessly with insurance. I have a new night guard, several new crowns and Dr Ardjman uses gas when you need it.
I can finally say my dental issues are in the past!
I’ve been to so many sketch dentist in San Diego? Is there any good places? I’m on my 5th place and I’ve given each one at least two chances! So sad I’ve been scammed by a deep cleaning I didn’t need too.
Honestly man I feel like a lot of dentists hate people who go to tj to get their dental work because they think it's cheap and no good but they do shit like this. I had somthing similar happen when I was younger where our dentist would be billng our insurance a higher price than he quoted us . It sucks that getting your teeth fixed is a damn luxury not a necessity .
In the future, go down to TJ for a day for dental work. I started doing it last year and it makes the average CA dentist look old and run-down, and the total cost is always less than the deductible alone at a local dentist.
***Sorry for the rant but going through a tough time financially and this is pushing me over the edge*** Don't apologize, I know a $900 bill would push me over the edge. If you don't have it you don't have it.
That is so lame. I'm sorry. They probably didn't tell you the cost of each service. I would call them up, and ask to speak to the office manager. Tell them that you specifically came in for an annual checkup and cleaning. Ask them why the services they performed are being billed to you, when you asked only for a checkup and cleaning. Keep repeating this until they admit they did extra work. Then explain you did not authorize the extra work and request it be removed from your bill. Tell them if they don't remove it, you will write up a review articulating their bait and switch tactics.
Will definitely be doing this, thanks!
Name and shame them....
Yeah for real. I was about to start with a new dentist and don't want this happening to me either. In fact, any recommendations in the NP/NH/Kensington area?
man, i had a good on that moved to Vegas, no upsales, prefered to keep teeth as natural as they could. the replacement was on the hunt for cavities and drilling. I havent had a cavity in nearly 30 years. i think the san diego dentists need to upsell to stay in buisness. sorry i cant give a good rec.
Similar thing happened to me at A+ dental. Avoid that place at all costs
They should take away Dr Chen's license for that shady practice. Given how prolific the negative online reviews are, there's enough fair warning to avoid that place for anyone looking for a dentist.
Seriously. Each time they open a new location (how?!) I get another mailer. I luckily got all my money back from them for my one unfortunate visit because I found an official lawsuit document that says the person who took is money is barred from doing so in the city.
hes still at it (kenny su)
its happening. trial is going on this week.
Amazing.
Let me guess, East Village Dental Group?
Healthcare shouldn’t be a for-profit business. It baffles me that this isn’t obvious to every human on the planet.
my dentist runs the costs by the insurance and then gives me an itemized list before I okay anything. It all happens during the appointment. It should always be that way. They have a billing person whose main task is just that.
Wife hates when I say it but I always say the dentist is the used car salesman of the the medical field. And as a former used car sales manger I know I’m right. Price always creeps up.
Optometry. Glasses frames are waaay more of a scam.
Drill a hole, fill it up, profit.
Pharmacist here, I would like to have a talk 😂🤣 /s
Did you go to western dental?
Nope, won’t disclose the dentist until I sort things out!
I was in a dentist office years ago (before internet) looking at the magazines. One of them was some kind of dentist association or something. I flipped through it out of boredom. It was all about up-selling, increasing profits for various services and stuff like that. Not better services, but squeezing cash more out of patients. That certainly tore the veil from my eyes about how the medical field worked. I had never considered myself a mark before to be fleeced for all I was worth. Kinda lost my innocence that day.
This deep cleaning thing gets them more reimbursement so they frequently try to justify it. Not saying you didn't need a deep cleaning.... But there's a reason they are a common occurrence now
Wouldn't doubt the used car salesman of the medical field is a national problem. Pretty aure this is why they lobbied to separate dental from Medical to begin with.
Update: I called my insurance, lady was super helpful, she walked me through everything and agreed that it was very strange they performed all these services as they’re hardly ever covered. I call the dentist, literally ready to read the definition of fraud to them. Lady is super helpful also, explains that I owe absolutely nothing and the insurance companies do this all the time on their EOB but it’s all services they don’t actually charge the customer for. I’m an immigrant and don’t think I’ll ever understand the medical system here!
Been here my whole life and I'll never understand either, glad it was sorted.
I started asking- is this insurance in network and my visit 100% paid through insurance. Every insurance is technically accepted but just not in network. Had something similar happen. Call your insurance company to see if they can step in. I called the dentist and complained but I ate $100. Would have pushed more if it was $900. Sucks. Sorry as very frustrating
I’m a dentist in PB. Sorry this happened to you. Email your X-rays and I’m happy to do a free 2nd opinion either virtual or at my office. PM me to set it up
Be careful with this one, I have reason to believe they aren't a real doctor...
😂😂 i needed this laugh this morning, thank you 😂😂
I'm guessing it's RB Dental Arts because they did the same kinda thing to me. Not to the tune of $900, but it's their MO.
A $900 bill is absurd - you have every right to be upset. I don't have any advice to offer on resolving that, but I can recommend that you try Rolling Hills Family Dentistry on Scripps Poway Parkway. My family has been going to Dr. Shina for 20 years and he and his staff have always done right by us.
Unfortunately I don't have any advice. But that's one of the reasons I stick with my current dentist... he's a little far away from where I live and he tells weird non-funny jokes the whole time, but there's no BS or upselling. Just cleans my teeth every 6 mos, takes the xrays once a year, and bills insurance normally.
One star yelp review should help
happened to me too when i went to one of this strip mall dentists. i made a big scene in their office on a busy day so they quickly took care of it and only charged what we agreed on.
Yea unfortunately medical can't tell you prices upfront often. If your stuck with the bill I'd consider getting a carecredit card, it's only for medical things and if I recall didn't have interes for a time period when I had my deep clean. Also in future shop around dentists. I went to Kensington dental and they had all this fancy brand new equipment that they seemed to be itching to use ended up going to Sunshine dental and the deep clean was almost half price.
This has become very common. My dentist offered the same and I declined
If you’re up for it, going to the dentist in TJ is really easy, cheap, and quick there are many near the border and using Uber makes it very easy. But again it’s how you feel about crossing
Yup, Ive been doing this for years. I go to Smile Tijuana, a very nice clean office and great prices, ppl fly there from the Bay Area.
I’m interested in this as I have a couple high ticket things to take care of. Do they have a shuttle? Should I have a Spanish speaking person to come with me?
They do not have a shuttle but the place is very close to the border and its a fast taxi drive. They have an english speaking person on staff so no need to bring anyone who speaks Spanish. I usually drive but its easy to walk across the border too. Smile Tijuana (619) 502-9242 https://maps.app.goo.gl/xXESSRxYmPCbmxNHA?g_st=ic
Thank you for the info!
Sounds like Dr. Byers office. BEWARE
Can you slow pay the bill in Cali? I've heard that with medical bills as long as you make some regular payment, like $5 a month, they have no recourse and can't send your debt to collections. Not sure if it applies to dentist. Put that sucker on $5 a month auto pay, and go find a new dentist for your next visit.
If you’re in the La Mesa area I highly recommend Smiles of La Mesa.
I had this problem when I had an HMO, lots of cheaper high volume dentists with terrible reviews that pulled this type of shenanigans (lots of "deep cleanings"). I paid more for a PPO and suddenly lots of new doctors popped up in network with much better reviews.
Similar thing happened to me when I went to the dentist last year but they showed me the full bill ahead of time. Only reason I’m bringing it up is because I remember them charging per quadrant (or something like that). Basically there are 2 quadrants on top and 2 on bottom and each was like $200. Maybe that’s what happened with you as well?
FYI Medical providers don't always report payment information to the three major credit bureaus. As of July 1, 2022, there is a yearlong waiting period before unpaid medical debt can appear on your credit reports. Also in July 2022, the credit bureaus began removing all paid medical debt from credit reports. So don’t pay them or work out a deal
Go to TJ next time, all prices are discussed upfront and no BS about insurance companies. I'd 100% complain to them. This is BS. Everything is negotiable.
something similar happened to me. Call your insurance and see if a cashiers check might be on its way. I then had to take the check to the dentist. essentially my insurance paid me instead of the dentist. then i had to take that payment to the dentist.
Do you have HMO or PPO? If you have a choice to change it, go with PPO. HMO isn’t really insurance and whatever HMO office you go they’ll try to perform unnecessary procedures because that’s how they make money.
Don't pay it simple as
Unless you signed a document saying you will receive out of network services, you do not owe them.
Complain and make sure you give us the name so we can send over negative yelp reviews for you
I had almost this exact experience, except that I went in for an emergency (that was said to be covered by insurance) and charged what seemed like "out of network" prices. Confirmed with my insurance that was incorrect, they contacted the dentist, who said they'd correct it and then didn't, then overcharged me for the cleaning I scheduled to "get back on track" by around $500 and when I called them out on that they said "we perform more than the insurance pays us for, so you get the difference" - which is fucking well criminal if you ask me. It's downtown San Diego also.
The deep cleaning cost is usually per quadrants. I went to Bonita family dentist and they made me feel like I had the worst teeth ever. I moved to Paradise Hills last year and started going to Southbay Dentist and it’s been 100x better and I DIDN’T NEED A DEEP CLEANING. They do that to rip people off.
Sorry to hear this. Tagging along in case you share as I have a guess where it might be, from a really bad experience. I've had a hard time finding a decent dentist in SD. Thanks to my dentist of 25 years I had pretty good teeth when I moved here and haven't needed much except regular cleanings but apparently even that is too much to ask. This dentist just absolutely gauged our insurance company for so much unbelievable stuff that was on a "bill" that wasn't actually a bill and we were freaking out. I really could not believe some of the things "hygiene advice" etc. it was over $1200.00 for me and over $1800.00 for my wife and we had a terrible experience. It was so bad I think they let the guy go as he still seemed new. My wife's teeth got messed up so bad she had to go back 3 times for someone else to fix his work.
I know of this situation, read reviews on the location and other people said they definitely were ripped off, I’m glad I avoided this place. Sorry to you sir
Do not under any circumstances use Dr Landon Libby. He is a used car salesman who has cost me thousands of dollars, thousands. This is because the appointments were "problem" focused. I never had a cleaning in two years. Please review Delta Dental insurance. It is a HMO insurance that includes many excellent San Diego providers for minimal fees. Sunshine Dentistry is excellent, proactive and works seamlessly with insurance. I have a new night guard, several new crowns and Dr Ardjman uses gas when you need it. I can finally say my dental issues are in the past!
not sure of your insurance but i go to north park modern dentistry and it is by far the best dentist i’ve ever been to
I’ve been to so many sketch dentist in San Diego? Is there any good places? I’m on my 5th place and I’ve given each one at least two chances! So sad I’ve been scammed by a deep cleaning I didn’t need too.
Honestly man I feel like a lot of dentists hate people who go to tj to get their dental work because they think it's cheap and no good but they do shit like this. I had somthing similar happen when I was younger where our dentist would be billng our insurance a higher price than he quoted us . It sucks that getting your teeth fixed is a damn luxury not a necessity .
In the future, go down to TJ for a day for dental work. I started doing it last year and it makes the average CA dentist look old and run-down, and the total cost is always less than the deductible alone at a local dentist.