In-Network vs Out-of-Network The battle of the network types.

People often want to know if we accept certain insurances. We accept any PPO plans (Preferred Provider Option) with Out-of-Network benefits, for most plans the percentage of coverage for in versus out of network is usually the same. Once you scheduled we will be happy to complete a complimentary/courtesy benefits check for you. If your estimated out-of-pocket is more than $30 we will notify you ahead time, if it is $30 or less then we typically do not reach out unless you request us to. We also do not accept Medicare, Medicaid, DMO or Discount Plans.
**Please Note: For patient’s using Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama plans, we will submit the claim to insurance for your reimbursement but you will need to pay 100% up front for your appointment if you are using one of these plans.

In Network Versus Out of Network Coverage:

If you come to see us and you are “Out-of-Network,” it simply means that if there is a difference between OUR fee and the Allowable Fee set by your insurance, you are responsible for the difference. Our fees are based on “Usual and Customary Rates” for our area (based on zip code) and are usually still within or very close to the Allowable Fees set by a lot of insurance companies who base benefits on the Usual and Customary Rates. For most patients using their Out-Of-Network benefits, for Preventive and Diagnostic Services there will often be either a $0 or very minimal out-of-pocket cost. A lot of our patients have out-of-pocket costs between $20 and $40, but still prefer to come to us due our great service, not to mention the Free Laughing Gas,  for which many offices charge $80-$130 per visit!

If your insurance bases coverage off of a FEE SCHDULE, this means that they will pay the designated percentage of coverage for any given service up to the Fee that THEY ALLOW. The fees “Allowed” by plans using a fee schedule are usually much lower than the actual fees at our office or many other offices in the area. You should expect to have an out-of-pocket cost (sometimes a sizable one) if you have an Insurance that pays off of a Fee Schedule.

Also, keep in mind that when you are using your Out-Of-Network benefits, it also means that you are not usually subject to as much downgrading for services. Some insurance companies stipulate downgrades for certain procedures for patients using In-Network Providers. For example, your insurance may estimate to pay a higher percentage if you are going to an in-network provider, but, say, you need a crown on a back tooth. If you are going In-Network, some insurance companies will say they will only pay for the silver, amalgam crown on a back tooth, not the white, porcelain fused to metal crowns that our office does and which almost all patients want. For an in-network provider, you are subject to that downgraded benefit and responsible for the difference. If you go to an Out-of-Network Provider insurance sometimes doesn’t have those same stipulations.

Please keep in mind that there are thousands of different insurance plans with all different stipulations for services.

We check on your insurance coverage and submit your benefits on your behalf as a courtesy. You are still responsible for understanding and knowing your benefits.