Orthodontic Insurance Summary

  

I hope the Kemp Orthodontic blog posts about Orthodontic Insurance have been helpful.  To summarize the previous blog posts, here are some “Helpful Hints”-

1. Know what your orthodontic benefits are before treatment begins with Kemp Orthodontics.  If you are not sure of your benefits, contact your insurance company so that you know the exact amount you can expect to be paid and when payment will be received.


2. If you would like Kemp Orthodontics to submit claim forms on your behalf, we ask that you provide us with the name, address, and telephone number of your insurance company along with your group number and ID number. Just give us a photocopy of your insurance card, which usually offers this information.


3. Remember that Kemp Orthodontics cannot render services on the assumption that our charges will be paid by your insurance carrier.  Our financial relationship is with our patients and/or their families and not with their insurance. However, for your convenience, we will accept payments from your insurance company if you choose to assign them to us; otherwise, the insurance payments will come directly to you, the insured.


4. Once treatment is started, your insurance company may require verification of continuing treatment with Kemp Orthodontics.  You may send them a copy of your canceled checks or cash receipts from our office.  If your insurance carrier provides you with a form for verification, we will gladly assist you in completing the form.

If you have any questions please contact our office via our website www. Kemportho.com or our Kemp Orthodontics Facebook page.

Can I Purchase Orthodontic Insurance?

Many times patients ask me, “Can I purchase Orthodontic Insurance?” Since I am not a qualified insurance agent, I suggest my patients or their families ask their local insurance agents for this answer. Unfortunately, what they typically find is that private orthodontic insurance is quite expensive. After considering the waiting period, the deductible, and the cost of the premiums themselves, most patients find that the maximum benefit allowed for treatment is not the worth the expense of the policy.  At Kemp Orthodontics, we realize that orthodontic treatment represents a significant investment in your dental health, and that is why we offer several payment options.  If you have any questions about these payment options, please contact our office via our website www. Kemportho.com or on our Kemp Orthodontics Facebook page.

Kemp Orthodontics and Your Insurance

For your convenience, Kemp Orthodontics will gladly assist you in submitting both predetermination and initial insurance claims for your orthodontic treatment in our office.  However, please be aware that our primary financial relationship is with our patients and/or their families and not with their respective insurance companies.  Final responsibility of collection of benefits from your insurance company rests with the insured party.  It is very important to know what your benefits are before treatment begins.  If you are not sure of your benefits, contact your insurance company prior to your appointment.  In the previous Blog post “How does orthodontic insurance work,” I gave a helpful list of questions to ask when you call your insurance company.  If you have any general questions regarding orthodontic insurance, please contact our office via our website www. Kemportho.com or visit our Kemp Orthodontics Facebook page.

How Does Orthodontic Insurance Work?

At Kemp Orthodontics, we will gladly assist you in filing your insurance. Insurance carriers offer many different orthodontic benefit packages to their subscribers, and each contract provides a different benefit.  It is very important to know what your benefits are before treatment begins.  If you are not sure of your benefits, contact your insurance company prior to your first orthodontic appointment.

Orthodontic insurance generally differs from regular dental insurance in that each insured individual usually has a life time maximum benefit for orthodontic services. Typically, this benefit is a percentage of the total orthodontic fee until the maximum benefit is reached.  This benefit, in most cases, is paid over the course of the treatment.

I have come up with a helpful list of questions to follow when calling your insurance company.

1. What percentage of your total treatment will your insurance pay?


2. What is the maximum amount your insurance will pay for orthodontic treatment?


3. Is there a deductible, and, if so, the amount?


4. Is there an age limitation for treatment?


5. Is there a waiting period?

I hope you have found this information helpful if you have any questions, please contact our office via our website www.kemportho.com  or at our Kemp Orthodontics Facebook page.

How long is the retention phase of treatment?

Typically, patients in the retention phase of treatment need to be seen periodically for at least one year after braces are removed.   As a patient of Kemp Orthodontics, you are responsible for following Dr. Kemp's instructions regarding your retainer and its use.  Usually, a removable retainer is prescribed, and it is worn only at night – but every night.  Alternatively, a fixed retainer, one that is bonded to your teeth and is not removable, may be prescribed for you.  A fixed retainer may be worn for several years as long as you maintain good oral hygiene.  Your visits to Kemp Orthodontics will be less frequent but not less important.  Remember: your retainers are the best insurance for keeping your Beautiful Smile!