I was assigned a provider by my Dental HMO through Blue Shield. I called to make an appointment with that provider for a "basic cleaning and to get established with the dentist." Per my benefit summary, there is no charge for basic cleaning and xrays. They took copies of my ID and insurance card. They took xrays, but did not clean my teeth and then tried to tell me I needed $1400 worth of "plaque removal procedures" which I declined. When I received my insurance statement, it indicated that I owed $480. I called Blue Shield to inquire and was told the office had billed under the wrong provider-one that was out of network. I will be calling shortly to ask them to bill under the assigned provider. Still feels shady all the way around. This is in Burbank, CA.
Fraudulent billing
I was assigned a provider by my Dental HMO through Blue Shield. I called to make an appointment with that provider for a "basic cleaning and to get established with the dentist." Per my benefit summary, there is no charge for basic cleaning and xrays. They took copies of my ID and insurance card. They took xrays, but did not clean my teeth and then tried to tell me I needed $1400 worth of "plaque removal procedures" which I declined. When I received my insurance statement, it indicated that I owed $480. I called Blue Shield to inquire and was told the office had billed under the wrong provider-one that was out of network. I will be calling shortly to ask them to bill under the assigned provider. Still feels shady all the way around. This is in Burbank, CA.