Insurance and Billing
Making Dental Care Affordable
At Irmo Dentistry, we believe that financial considerations should never be a barrier to receiving excellent dental care. Dr. Davis and our experienced team work with patients to maximize insurance benefits and provide flexible payment options that make quality dental treatment accessible to families throughout Irmo and surrounding South Carolina communities. We’re committed to transparency in all financial matters and will always provide clear, detailed information about costs before beginning any treatment.
Our knowledgeable billing team stays current with insurance regulations and coverage policies to help you navigate the often complex world of dental benefits. We file insurance claims as a courtesy to our patients and work diligently to ensure you receive maximum benefits available under your plan. When insurance doesn’t cover the full cost of treatment, we offer various payment options and financing plans to help make your dental care affordable and manageable within your budget.
Dental Insurance Plans We Accept
Major Insurance Carriers
We accept most major dental insurance plans, including:
- Delta Dental (all plan types)
- Cigna Dental
- Aetna Dental
- Guardian Dental
- MetLife Dental
- Blue Cross Blue Shield Dental
- Humana Dental
- United Healthcare Dental
Plan Types Accepted
- PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plans
- Traditional indemnity plans
- Dual coverage coordination for patients with multiple plans
- Most employer-sponsored dental plans
- Individual and family dental plans
Benefits Verification
Our team verifies your insurance benefits before treatment and provides detailed explanations of your coverage, including deductibles, annual maximums, and treatment coverage percentages. We help you understand how to maximize your benefits throughout the year.
Understanding Your Benefits
Coverage Categories
Most dental insurance plans categorize treatments into three groups:
- Preventive Services (cleanings, exams, X-rays): Typically covered at 80-100%
- Basic Restorative (fillings, simple extractions): Usually covered at 70-80%
- Major Restorative (crowns, bridges, dentures): Generally covered at 50%
Common Insurance Terms
- Annual Maximum: The total amount your insurance will pay per calendar year
- Deductible: The amount you pay before insurance benefits begin
- Co-payment: Your portion of the treatment cost after insurance pays
- Waiting Periods: Time requirements before certain benefits become available
- Pre-authorization: Insurance approval required before certain treatments
Maximizing Your Benefits
- Use preventive benefits early in the year to maintain oral health
- Plan major treatments to utilize annual maximums effectively
- Understand your plan’s renewal date to optimize benefit usage
- Consider treatment timing to spread costs across benefit years when appropriate
Flexible Financial Solutions
Payment Methods Accepted
- Cash and personal checks
- All major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover)
- Debit cards and HSA/FSA cards
- CareCredit healthcare financing
- Third-party financing options
- Payment plans for qualified patients
Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
We gladly accept HSA and FSA cards for dental treatments. These accounts offer tax advantages for medical and dental expenses, making your care more affordable. We can provide detailed receipts and documentation needed for account reimbursement.
Interest-Free Financing
Through our partnership with CareCredit and other healthcare financing companies, we offer:
- Interest-free payment plans for qualified applicants
- Extended payment terms up to 24 months for larger treatments
- Same-day approval for most financing applications
- No prepayment penalties for early payment
Payment Plan Options
For patients without insurance or those needing extensive treatment, we offer:
- In-house payment plans with flexible terms
- Down payment options to reduce monthly payments
- Family discounts for multiple family members receiving treatment
- Senior citizen discounts for qualifying patients
We Handle the Paperwork
Claims Filing Service
As a courtesy to our patients, we file insurance claims directly with your insurance company. This service saves you time and ensures that claims are submitted correctly with all necessary documentation for prompt payment.
Pre-Treatment Estimates
For major treatments, we can submit pre-treatment estimates to your insurance company to determine exact coverage before beginning treatment. This process helps eliminate surprises and allows for better financial planning.
Dual Coverage Coordination
If you have coverage under multiple dental plans, we coordinate benefits between insurance companies to maximize your total coverage and minimize your out-of-pocket expenses.
Claim Follow-Up
Our billing team actively follows up on insurance claims to ensure prompt payment and resolves any issues that may arise during the claims process. We keep you informed about claim status and any additional information needed.
Clear and Fair Policies
Payment Expectations
- Payment is due at the time of service unless prior arrangements have been made
- Insurance co-payments and deductibles are collected at the time of treatment
- Outstanding balances are due within 30 days of billing
- Treatment plans exceeding $500 may require payment arrangements before beginning treatment
Insurance Limitations
- Annual maximums and waiting periods may affect treatment timing
- Coverage denials do not eliminate patient responsibility for services rendered
- Insurance estimates are not guarantees of payment
- Pre-existing condition exclusions may apply to some plans
Payment Plan Requirements
- Credit approval may be required for extended payment plans
- Automatic payment arrangements are preferred for payment plans
- Treatment completion may be dependent on payment plan compliance
- Late fees may apply to overdue accounts per state regulations
Cancellation and No-Show Policy
- 24-hour notice required for appointment changes or cancellations
- Late cancellation fees may apply for insufficient notice
- No-show charges may be assessed for missed appointments
- Repeated cancellations may affect future scheduling priority
Additional Financial Assistance
Senior Discounts
We offer special pricing considerations for senior citizens on fixed incomes. Please inquire about available discounts when scheduling your appointment.
Family Plans
Families with multiple members receiving treatment may qualify for special pricing arrangements. We work with families to create affordable treatment plans that address everyone’s needs.
Emergency Payment Options
For dental emergencies, we provide treatment first and work with patients to arrange payment afterward. Your comfort and oral health are our primary concerns during urgent situations.
Charitable Care Program
In select cases, we may provide reduced-fee or pro bono services for patients experiencing financial hardship. Please speak confidentially with our office manager to discuss available options.
FAQS
Do you accept my dental insurance?
We accept most major dental insurance plans, including Delta Dental, Cigna, Aetna, Guardian, MetLife, and many others. Our team will verify your benefits before treatment and explain your coverage details. If we’re not in-network with your plan, we can still file claims and help you maximize your out-of-network benefits.
What if I don't have dental insurance?
We offer several options for patients without insurance, including cash discounts, payment plans, healthcare financing through CareCredit, and HSA/FSA payment options. We believe everyone deserves quality dental care and will work with you to find an affordable solution.
How do I know how much my treatment will cost?
We provide detailed treatment estimates before beginning any work, including your insurance coverage and out-of-pocket costs. For major treatments, we can submit pre-treatment estimates to your insurance company for exact coverage determination.
Can I make payments over time?
Yes, we offer several payment plan options, including interest-free financing through CareCredit and in-house payment arrangements. Most patients can find a payment option that fits their budget and allows them to receive needed dental care.
What happens if my insurance doesn't pay as expected?
While we work hard to maximize your insurance benefits, coverage can vary. Any remaining balance after insurance payment is your responsibility. We’ll work with you to arrange payment options if unexpected out-of-pocket costs arise.
Do you offer discounts for cash payments?
We may offer cash discounts for certain treatments when payment is made in full at the time of service. Please ask our billing team about available cash payment options for your specific treatment needs.