Wade Munson
1/5
SHADY. PREDATORY. NO PRINCIPLES.
I left my former dentists office because of predatory and shady practices. After my experience today, I'll be finding another practice. This place is predatory, and their billing lacks principle.
Between my last appointment 6 months ago, and my appointment today, my employer changed from Delta to Cigna. I got a text this morning for an availability at 3:30, and provided the office with a copy of my new insurance information after asking if they work with Cigna. They said "yes, as long as it's Cigna PPO".
When I arrived today, I confirmed that they had my updated insurance information. They called me back quickly. My dental hygienist was Angela, who was wonderful. This review has nothing to do with the cleaning. We started with X-rays, which I thought was odd because I did them 6 months back at my first visit. Angela then cleaned my teeth, and she was charming, professional, and conversant. The dentist popped in for a 5 minute consult midway through the cleaning, and tried to walk away before I could clarify what the numbers and acronyms he was saying to the hygienist meant. I got my answers. Angela finished up and told me that it was time for the fluoride rinse. I did that and she walked me up to the front desk.
I was told by the front desk that my portion of the bill would likely be approximately $200 after they billed my insurance, which was a surprise as my cleaning bills have been between $10 - $20 for the past decade of dental work. I asked why it was so much, and they let me know I was out of network!
Shame on me for not doing my personal due diligence and trusting another shady dental practice. I'll pay whatever my insurance doesn't cover once I get my EOB. But I think it's incredibly unethical for a business to mislead their patients. Of course they accept a PPO. In-network billing was implicit in those multiple interactions where I asked questions via text, phone call, and in person. And what do you know, the X-rays that are normally covered every six months are going to be billed at 70% coverage! And the $30 quarter ounce fluoride rinse that I didn't even think about when it was handed to me isn't covered at all!
All that said, I hope this (small) community holds your business accountable for this unethical practice. Shame on the front desk attendants - Carla and Amy - for not doing the right think and letting me know that they'll accept Cigna PPO, but that they're not in-network. And for trying to pin the least of my concerns (the ridiculously overpriced $30 fluoride rinse) on Angela the hygienist. It's easy to blame someone else behind a closed door for your billing practices. The way the owners run their business isn't your fault, but failing to warn people that what is universally a less-than-30-dollar-service is going to be $200 should sit heavy on your conscience. I can afford it, but I'm fortunate in my career and finances
Obviously, I'm not going back. I wouldn't have because my insurance changed, and that should be okay. But your predatory, unethical practice and you telling me that I "at least need to pay the $30 for the fluoride rinse" gets me an unnecessary expense and you a critical review on every platform I can find. I hope it's worth it.
I'm never coming back. My parents are never coming back. My four siblings and their families are never coming back. My friends are never coming back. Hope you enjoy a reputation as Fallbrook's premier shady dental office.
Shame on you.
