If you have dental insurance, you may be used to asking one question before scheduling an appointment: “Are you in-network with my plan?” At Caldwell, Bills, Petrilli & West Dentistry, the answer is that we are not contracted as an in-network provider with dental insurance companies. However, that does not necessarily mean you cannot use your dental benefits at our office.
We are an insurance-friendly private practice, and we are happy to file claims with your insurance provider on your behalf. Understanding the difference between being “in-network” and accepting insurance can help you make informed decisions about your dental care.
What Does “In-Network” Actually Mean?
An in-network dentist has entered into a contract with an insurance company. As part of that agreement, the dentist typically agrees to the insurance company’s established fee schedules and other contractual requirements.
An out-of-network dentist does not have that contractual relationship with the insurance carrier. Depending on your dental plan, however, you may still have benefits you can use toward treatment with an out-of-network provider.
Your benefits and out-of-pocket costs will depend on the terms of your individual plan.
Why Aren’t We In-Network?
At Caldwell, Bills, Petrilli & West Dentistry, our focus is on providing personalized dental care tailored to each patient’s oral health needs.
Staying independent of insurance network contracts allows our practice to set our own fees and office policies, rather than entering agreements that may include predetermined reimbursement schedules and other requirements. Dental insurance can still help with the cost of care, but the patient’s individual plan ultimately determines coverage.
Our goal is to recommend treatment based on your dental needs and have open conversations about your options, costs, and benefits.
Can I Still Use My Dental Insurance?
In many cases, yes. Our payment information page explains that we are an insurance-friendly private practice and are happy to file with your insurance provider.
The amount your plan pays for out-of-network care varies. Some plans provide substantial out-of-network benefits, while others may provide reduced benefits or no out-of-network coverage. Before starting treatment, review your plan or contact your insurance carrier to understand your specific benefits.
Remember, dental insurance is a benefit designed to help with dental expenses; it does not necessarily cover the entire cost of recommended care.
What About Flexible Spending Accounts?
We also offer the use of Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) as another way to manage eligible dental expenses. FSAs allow employees to set aside pre-tax funds for qualifying healthcare expenses, including many dental expenses. The IRS provides additional information about eligible medical and dental expenses and flexible spending arrangements.
Our office also accepts several other forms of payment and CareCredit. Learn more about these options on our Payment Information page.
Choose a Dentist Based on Your Needs
Insurance is certainly an important consideration, but it shouldn’t be the only factor when choosing a dentist. Experience, trust, comfort, technology, and the ability to build a long-term relationship with your dental team matter, too. At Caldwell, Bills, Petrilli & West Dentistry, our doctors have more than 70 years of combined experience and provide comprehensive dental services for patients and families throughout the Charlotte area.
Have questions about using your dental benefits at our office? If you are in the South Charlotte area near the Arboretum, contact Caldwell, Bills, Petrilli & West Dentistry. Our team will be happy to answer questions about our payment policies, filing your insurance claim, and available payment options.