PATIENT INFORMATION

Payment Options

For your convenience, we accept cash, personal checks, money orders, and major credit cards including Visa, MasterCard, and Discover. Payment is expected at the time services are performed. When more extensive dental care is necessary, financial arrangements can be made with our office. Please contact our office If your treatment plan requires more comprehensive dental work and you want to discuss financial arrangements.

Dental Insurance Basics

Dental benefits are an available source to supplement the cost of dental treatment. Tidewater Family Dentistry is an “in-network” provider for an assortment of major dental PPO plans allowing many of our patients to take advantage of lower, contracted fee schedules. Certain limitations may apply, so it is important that you become familiar with your individual plan. Your plan may not pay for every procedure. Reading over your plan booklet is always a good way to educate yourself.

PPO vs DMO

A dental PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plan allows coverage for both “in-network” services and “out-of-network” services. “In-network” services though are generally covered at a higher level and are usually associated with lower subscriber out-of-pocket costs.

A dental DMO (Dental Maintenance Organization) plan allows coverage for “in-network” services only. Services completed by an out-of-network dentist are not covered.

Tidewater Family Dentistry is an “in-network” provider for most major dental PPO carriers including MetLife, Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield, United Concordia, Delta Dental, Cigna, Principal, Humana, DHA/Assurant, Ameritas, Reliance and Connection Dental/GEHA. Unfortunately, we are NOT associated with any DMO, Medicare or Medicaid plans.

***Starting on January 1, 2023 we are going out of network with Federal Blue Cross Blue Shield and the Federal Employee Program Medical policies. We will also continue to be out of network with Aetna Federal.***

Insurance Claims and Patient Responsibility

Our office staff will make every effort within reason to help you understand your individual insurance plan. And we will prepare and send all necessary claim forms for you. However, we remind you that your specific policy is an agreement between you and your insurance company. Please keep in mind that you are responsible for your total obligation should your insurance benefits result in less coverage than anticipated. Your out-of-pocket co-payments are due on the date services are provided. Our staff will gladly submit a pre-treatment estimate to your insurance company so that you will know what your benefits will be. You should be aware that different insurance companies vary greatly in the types of coverage available. Also, some companies take care of claims promptly while others delay payment for several months.

Financing with Care Credit

We’re pleased to offer our patients Care Credit, North America’s leader in patient payment plans. Care Credit lets you begin your treatment immediately – then pay for it over time with low monthly payments that fit easily into your monthly budget.

Care Credit works like a credit card, but is exclusive for healthcare services. With no up-front costs, no pre-payment penalties, and no annual fees, Care Credit lets you pay over time and frees up cash and credit cards for the other things you want or need. Care Credit offers low monthly payment plans for healthcare procedures not commonly covered by insurance, including dental treatment. Plus, you can use your card again and again to pay for additional treatment for yourself or family members in any Care Credit practice.

• Low minimum monthly payments
• No-interest financing if paid within 12 months (Additional plans may be available)
• No up-front costs, pre-payment penalties or annual fees

Learn more by visiting CareCredit.com or contacting our office. It only takes a few minutes to apply for Care Credit, and you may receive an online decision in seconds! For more information or to apply now, just click on the link below.