Fees and insurance, explained plainly
We are a fee-for-service practice. You always know the fee before we start, and if you have dental insurance, you can still use it.
What fee-for-service means
Most dental offices sign contracts with insurance companies. Those contracts set the office's fees, and the plan's rules shape what gets recommended and how often. We do not sign them. Our fees are our own, and your treatment is decided by you and Dr. Ed.
In practice, that means Dr. Ed can take the time to explain what he sees, recommend what your teeth need, and tell you plainly when something can wait.
You know the fee first
Before any treatment, you get the fee. When there is more than one reasonable option, you get the fee for each. Nothing is added without talking to you first, and there are no surprise charges.
Using your dental insurance here
Your insurance still has value here. Many plans, especially PPO plans, reimburse part of the cost of care from a dentist outside their network. Here is how it usually works:
- You pay for your visit when you come in.
- You receive an itemized statement with the procedure codes your plan asks for.
- Your plan reimburses its share, based on your out-of-network benefits.
Plans differ a lot, so the best first step is a quick call to the number on your insurance card. Ask what the plan pays for out-of-network preventive care, fillings and crowns. If the answer is confusing, call us and we will help.
No dental insurance
Smile Club is our own yearly membership. It covers two cleanings, two exams and a set of x-rays each year, plus a discount on other care, starting at $349 a person. See Smile Club.
Ways to pay
We accept cash, check and credit card. We do not accept Medicare or Medicaid plans, including Health First, Fidelis, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan, and Family Health.
Questions about fees and insurance
Are you in network with my insurance?
No. We are a fee-for-service office and do not sign contracts with any dental insurance company. You can still use your plan to be reimbursed, as this page explains.
Will my insurance pay anything?
Many PPO plans pay part of the cost of care from out-of-network dentists. How much depends on your plan, so call the number on your card and ask about out-of-network benefits. We are happy to help you make sense of the answer.
Why not just join the networks?
Network contracts set our fees and often limit what is covered and how often. Staying independent lets Dr. Ed recommend what your teeth need and spend the time to explain it, without a contract in the room.
Do you accept Medicare or Medicaid?
No. We do not accept Medicare or Medicaid plans, including Health First, Fidelis, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan and Family Health.
How do I pay?
We accept cash, check and credit card.
Not sure what your plan covers?
Call us with your insurance card in hand. We will help you understand what to expect before you book anything.
516 Hawkins Ave, Lake Ronkonkoma. Free parking beside the office.