A rant and some questions! :O)
By GreatMartin
@GreatMartin (23670)
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
July 28, 2020 4:33pm CST
I went to my dentist yesterday to have my 1 of 2 'free' insurance cleanings--the last time they charged me for a 'deep' cleaning and I questioned it and told them I saw no difference than a regular cleaning but I went ahead and paid it.
I had an appointment in June--got there on time--they were completely shut down but never called me to cancel the appointment.
Okay, it is a crazy time so I didn't make a big deal of it and came for the new appointment, got my teeth cleaned, no big deal and as I was leaving, going out the door, I was told that I had to stop at the desk and I was told I owed $45 for the cleaning and I asked, "Why?" and the answer I got was "He irrigated and cleaned the teeth," and I brought up that I don't ever recall getting my teeth cleaned without getting some irrigation and I mentioned the previous 'over-charge'.
She said she could discount the irrigation charge but she would have to charge me $15 for---didn't get the words quite right--'virus protection'! My receipt has nothing down about what the charge is for!!
I have heard about restaurants adding some sort of virus charge but this was the first time I was hit with 'it'--no signs around about the charge was not told about the charge, etc.
Is this some sort of scam? Are all dentists charging this?
Adding insult to injury I received an email when I got home and they asked me to add any comments I had so I sent this to them--still waiting for a response!
"Why aren’t there signs about the $15 “Virus Protection” charge?
Why wasn’t I informed about the charge beforehand?
Why isn’t the charge stated as such on my receipt?
I get 2 ‘free’ cleanings a year under my insurance plan—so far I have had 2 cleaning appointments—both not ‘free’—and I was not informed of the extra charges when I went in for an appointment.
Why do I leave the office with a ‘sour taste’ in my mouth, feeling as if I have been ripped off?"
Waiting for their reply, which I expect to be a non-answer!!
End of rant--ah, I feel better!!
PS I GOT A RESPONSE TODAY FROM THE MAIN OFFICE!
Okay--I got a call from the head office and they agreed that there should be a visible sign put up about the $15 charge and that when there will be any charge added to a procedure the patient should be informed.
The $30 fee for 'irrigation'---though I still question if there was any more irrigation done then when I have a 'free' cleaning'--was dropped and I was given a 'credit' for $15.
As I explained to the rep that what upset me was not being TOLD about the charges especially when there was no advance notice about the 'virus protection' charge--it only occurred to me when I got home the hygienist (sp?) had not worn gloves and I don't see how that would impede the cleaning but I could be wrong.
14 people like this
14 responses

@AmbiePam (120630)
• United States
29 Jul 20
@GreatMartin I don't have dental insurance, but I still go twice a year to avoid more problems down the line.
1 person likes this
@GreatMartin (23670)
• Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
29 Jul 20
My insurance pays for 2 free cleanings a year and 1 full set of X-Rays a year!
1 person likes this
@GreatMartin (23670)
• Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
29 Jul 20
@AmbiePam I've gone twice a year since 1972 when I found out what not going to the dentist for 30 years caused!! ARGH!
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40230)
• United States
29 Jul 20
ah yes, get it out on here, I find MyLot nice for that purpose. I would mention it to your insurance. Extra fee for "Virus Protection"? Uh, excuse me?
2 people like this

@GreatMartin (23670)
• Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
30 Jul 20
@FayeHazel They do---they charge for the dishwashers--it is included in the price!! Restaurants don't make money on food but on beverages--both soft and hard!!

1 person likes this
@GreatMartin (23670)
• Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
29 Jul 20
Yeah that VP fee is showing up a lot here!!
See my PS a little later!
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40230)
• United States
30 Jul 20
@GreatMartin I'm happy you got a reply! If you ask me virus protection should come free at ay business place. Gr. That's like a restaurant charging you more for using clean plates or something.
1 person likes this

@much2say (57760)
• Los Angeles, California
29 Jul 20
Hmmm, that does sound odd. A deep cleaning would take longer and it is a procedure as they often numb you and pick through under your gums . . . I would think they would have told you that (and you would have noticed since it takes time). Virus protection . . . what? . . . I have never heard of such a charge at a dentist. Yep - some weird things going on - I would question it for sure!!
2 people like this

@much2say (57760)
• Los Angeles, California
31 Jul 20
@GreatMartin You would think legally they would have to - even dentists. Not fair to sneak it these odd charges.
1 person likes this
@GreatMartin (23670)
• Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
29 Jul 20
A lot of restaurants are charging that VP charge but at least they tell you about it or have signs on their menus!
1 person likes this
@GreatMartin (23670)
• Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
31 Jul 20
@much2say What does thinking have to do with it???

1 person likes this

@GreatMartin (23670)
• Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
29 Jul 20
Yes we are but you and I are still the best!!
@amadeo (111937)
• United States
29 Jul 20
@GreatMartin thank you Martin.Yes we are the best is yet to come.lol

1 person likes this
@GreatMartin (23670)
• Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
30 Jul 20
@amadeo We have had a lot of bests but there are still a few in our future!

@GreatMartin (23670)
• Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
29 Jul 20
No, it is legal--I looked into it. Watch for my PS a little later. :O)
1 person likes this
@GreatMartin (23670)
• Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
5 Aug 20
@gr8nana6 Welcome to Fort Lauderdale!!! Tourists aren't coming and they need to make money some way!

1 person likes this
@gr8nana6 (6614)
• Conyers, Georgia
4 Aug 20
@GreatMartin Wow I never heard of that.
1 person likes this

@GreatMartin (23670)
• Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
29 Jul 20
It is legal and many are doing it as I have found out--look for my PS later! :O)
1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61463)
• United States
31 Jul 20
Wow oh wow, I always state when I sit in the chair that only things covered by my insurance are to be performed and I refuse to pay for any service thrown in. I would call your insurance company and complain as well, they have more clout than you and I would consider looking for a new dentist. I have been to the orthopedic dr . Optometrist and the dermatologist and no VPCharge!! Not restaurant either, maybe it’s just Florida
1 person likes this
@GreatMartin (23670)
• Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
1 Aug 20
3rd dentist I have had in past few years--and I am a very easy patient!!
1 person likes this
@GreatMartin (23670)
• Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
29 Jul 20
Many restaurants are starting to charge that now--I don't mind but let me know!!

@simone10 (54180)
• Louisville, Kentucky
4 Aug 20
@GreatMartin I think it's taking advantage of a situation that is out of our control.
1 person likes this
@GreatMartin (23670)
• Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
5 Aug 20
@simone10 I agree but people aren't as nice and/or as good as we are!!
1 person likes this
@GreatMartin (23670)
• Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
30 Jul 20
It's legit and more are doing it!! Dentists, no so much doctors!
1 person likes this

@RasmaSandra (97957)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
29 Jul 20
That sounds like some runaround and a dishonest way to cash in money. I would be very suspicious of those charges.
2 people like this
@GreatMartin (23670)
• Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
29 Jul 20
I will be adding a PS in awhile!
1 person likes this
@GreatMartin (23670)
• Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
29 Jul 20
That was mainly my complaint--I would have still had the 'free' cleaning--see my PS later! :O)
1 person likes this
@mynameiskate (2658)
•
29 Jul 20
When the price of gas goes up who suffers. Not big commerce. They just raise the prices and say its do to increased transportation costs. The little guy is the one that has to pay for it. How about we don't pay our bills and when they demand to be paid, pay our bill less a 20% reduction and call it a virus transaction.
That might work with some businesses but on the other hand is it wise to argue with dentists and surgeons?
1 person likes this
@GreatMartin (23670)
• Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
29 Jul 20
I don't argue--I just want to know what I will be charged and then I can decide if I want to 'buy' it or not!
1 person likes this
@mynameiskate (2658)
•
29 Jul 20
@GreatMartin even the small print right? I whole price not the price and + and + and +
1 person likes this

















