FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS
Have a question that we didn't answer?
Email us at PatientCare@piedmontdental.com or give us a call at (704) 225-8555 during normal business hours!
Insurance / Financial FAQ
Questions about insurance coverage and payment options- click on a question to expand. If you have a question that has not been answered here, call us at (704) 225-8555 during normal business hours, or email us at PatientCare@piedmontdental.com anytime!
Insurance
What does "Use it or lose it" mean when it comes to dental insurance?
Each year dental insurance provider allows a maximum dollar amount for dental services- an amount that can range anywhere from $1000.00 to $3000.00 per benefit year, more or less. And while you still have to pay your dental insurance premium every month, any unused benefits do not rollover from year to year- if you do not use your benefits during the specified period, you will lose them.
Do you take my dental Insurance?
We accept almost all most forms of dental insurance. The only exceptions being Medicaid and any insurance that is an HMO
Typically we will verify your insurance prior to your visit so we can have a better understanding of your benefit plan. We we will then collect any co-payments and and deductibles in-office, and file a claim with your insurance company on your behalf at no extra charge.
What networks are you in?
We are in network providers for the following insurance companies:
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Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina
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Cigna Dental
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Delta Dental
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Metlife
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Guardian
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Ameritas
I have dental insurance, why do I have a balance?
There are several reasons why a patient would have a balance for treatment, even with dental insurance coverage and with prior verification, including:
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Frequency limitations
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Treatment that was downgraded to a lesser service
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Benefit maximum reached
When we we give a patient an estimated cost of treatment (or what we call a “treatment plan”) we try to get the most accurate picture of what thier insurance company will cover. However, we cannot make any guarantees that their insurance company will cover what they say they will cover. As a matter of fact, most, if not all insurances have a standard disclaimer that essentially states- the final decision of payment will only be determined after they receive a submitted claim.
We try to use the information your insurance company gives to us but they have the final say on what they will and will not cover. As such, while we can guarantee that the cost of our services will not change from the treatment plan, we cannot guarantee that your insurance will pay what is estimated.
Do you accept HMOs?
Currently we do not accept HMOs.
Do you accept Medicaid?
Currently we do not accept Medicaid.
I had an injury at work- will you file the claim with Workers Comp?
At this time we do not file claims with Worker's comp. However patients have one of 2 options:
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The patient can pay for the services we render, and then file the itemized invoice with Worker's comp
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The patient can have an examination and then send the an itemized treatment plan to their Worker's Comp insurance who would then issue payment to us prior to treatment.
Financing
Do you offer payment plans for treatment?
While we do offer limited payment plans- in house, for patients who wish to stretch their payments out as long as they can, we offer third party financing withCareCredit.
What repayment options does CareCredit have?
If you would like interest-free plan, Care Credit offers 3, 6 and even 12 repayment plans at no interest. As you can expect, these are the most popular plans, especially when you consider the advantages of paying for care, over time,interest-free!
If you would like more time to repay, there are several low monthly extended payment plans, up to 60 months. We have found by having several repayment options, we can satisfy a wide variety of our patient's needs.
What are the “limited” payment plans you offer at Piedmont Family Dentistry?
For cases that require multiple visits, like crowns, and dentures, we divide the patient’s out of pocket costs by the number of visits it will take to complete the treatment. Final payment is due upon completion of the procedure.
Can I use CareCredit to pay for my teeth-whitening? What about veneers?
You can use CareCredit to pay for any procedure performed in our office! From crowns to dentures, from deep-cleanings, to electric toothbrushes- as long as it is offered in the office, you can use CareCredit to pay for it!
My credit is not as good as I'd like. Do you think I'd still qualify for CareCredit?
While the folks at Care Credit have the final decision, in our experience their approval rates are high. Sometimes patients are shocked when they get approved and call back absolutely excited!
Other patients have felt that using a spouse or parent as a co-applicant increased their chance of approval- and we have yet to see a denial for co-applicants.
Can you tell me how much the price of treatment will be over the phone?
We at Piedmont Family Dentistry recognize 2 important things: one, it is more important than ever to plan for significant expenses. Two, not every one has the luxury of setting up multiple appointments with different clinics to find out which treatment plan winds up being the most cost-effective.
So if you have recently visited another dental office, received a treatment plan, but still want to to compare cost of treatment with other offices- you can send us, or bring in the treatment plan and we will give you the cost of the same treatment in our office at no charge. Please be sure to delete the name of the other office when you give us your treatment plan.
If you do not have a treatment plan from another office, we encourage you to visit our office for a limted evaluation and the appropriate x-rays. Most insurances have provisions for this vist, and if you do not have dental insurance, you may find ourDental Discount Program to be more than helpful- plus you can save up to 60% off on all of our services!
Email: PatientCare@piedmontdental.com
Fax: (704) 225-8556
or visit our office during normal business hours.
HSA / Flex Plans
