Finding a Dentist

[Emancipation 2]

This is a whiny post.. so beware..

I just went through the process of finding a dentist...

*sigh

I have insurance so it's not going to really be painful at the bank but i called one place who doesn't accept my insurance, phoned another who did but who wasn't taking any new patients (they have like 8 dentists), then the 3rd Dentist wanted my SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER?? #######? I have NO clue why they would EVER need that number..

Anyway, it was a runaround trying to find someone to take me But i did manage to get an appointment tomorrow which is good.. although as a new patient i'll have to go through the exam and all the x-rays again (my Dentist back home JUST did all that before i left).. She was telling me all the things that I had to do as a new patient and I was like - well i have a problem with my Occlusal Guard will he LOOK at that while I'm in there at least?? that's why I need to see a Dentist!!.. Man Dentists screw the insurance companies.. lets do an x-ray just to make sure you have teeth!

*sigh.. end of rant..

[*JG* 2]

They do not need your social security number before you are seen. You have the right to refuse that.

Also, you have the right to refuse the x-ray. But, unless you have a recent x-ray from your last dentist and/or copies of your records, I think it is pretty much standard procedure in order for the dentist to be able to get a clear picture of what is going on with your teeth.

As far as finding a dentist, most insurance companies have booklets and/or web sites with participating dentists listed. It usually tells you if they are not accepting new patients too.

Good luck to you!

[PfcsBaby 0]

This is something I'm not looking forward to either. Not only will I need a dentist, but I'll need a pediatrician for my son, a gynocologist for me and then a family doctor. Wish I could just have 1 doctor for everything.

[Emancipation 2]

This is something I'm not looking forward to either. Not only will I need a dentist, but I'll need a pediatrician for my son, a gynocologist for me and then a family doctor. Wish I could just have 1 doctor for everything.

I did register online with my dental provider and they listed all the dentists in our area who take my insurance card.. that was helpful to located Dr's... but like you said its' starting over and trying out new people to provide trusting services to your family.. it does suck to start over again..

Wouldn't a one stop shop (like a supermarket for health providers) be awesome!! YEah!!

[Otto 83]

This is a whiny post.. so beware..

I just went through the process of finding a dentist...

*sigh

I have insurance so it's not going to really be painful at the bank but i called one place who doesn't accept my insurance, phoned another who did but who wasn't taking any new patients (they have like 8 dentists), then the 3rd Dentist wanted my SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER?? #######? I have NO clue why they would EVER need that number..

Anyway, it was a runaround trying to find someone to take me But i did manage to get an appointment tomorrow which is good.. although as a new patient i'll have to go through the exam and all the x-rays again (my Dentist back home JUST did all that before i left).. She was telling me all the things that I had to do as a new patient and I was like - well i have a problem with my Occlusal Guard will he LOOK at that while I'm in there at least?? that's why I need to see a Dentist!!.. Man Dentists screw the insurance companies.. lets do an x-ray just to make sure you have teeth!

*sigh.. end of rant..

[Emancipation 2]

This is a whiny post.. so beware..

I just went through the process of finding a dentist...

*sigh

I have insurance so it's not going to really be painful at the bank but i called one place who doesn't accept my insurance, phoned another who did but who wasn't taking any new patients (they have like 8 dentists), then the 3rd Dentist wanted my SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER?? #######? I have NO clue why they would EVER need that number..

Anyway, it was a runaround trying to find someone to take me But i did manage to get an appointment tomorrow which is good.. although as a new patient i'll have to go through the exam and all the x-rays again (my Dentist back home JUST did all that before i left).. She was telling me all the things that I had to do as a new patient and I was like - well i have a problem with my Occlusal Guard will he LOOK at that while I'm in there at least?? that's why I need to see a Dentist!!.. Man Dentists screw the insurance companies.. lets do an x-ray just to make sure you have teeth!

*sigh.. end of rant..

Here's a lollypop.. thanks for playing..

[J&K 0]

then the 3rd Dentist wanted my SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER?? #######? I have NO clue why they would EVER need that number..

Jomo's girl is right, you can refuse to give your SSN.

The reason all dr.'s want your SSN? If your insurance company doesn't pay everything, or they don't pay it on time, they can screw you by sending your bill to a collection agency.

This has happened to hubby a few times. One bill on his credit report is $36! Never received a bill from the dr. and never received a 'bill' from the collection agency. Our response? We'll pay it, but not to the collection agency.

Remember...(and this is very good advice), on your credit report, a paid collection is just as bad as an unpaid collection. So get to know your consumer rights, and fight, fight, fight.

And kids, that's today's lesson!

[Otto 83]

then the 3rd Dentist wanted my SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER?? #######? I have NO clue why they would EVER need that number..

Jomo's girl is right, you can refuse to give your SSN.

The reason all dr.'s want your SSN? If your insurance company doesn't pay everything, or they don't pay it on time, they can screw you by sending your bill to a collection agency.

This has happened to hubby a few times. One bill on his credit report is $36! Never received a bill from the dr. and never received a 'bill' from the collection agency. Our response? We'll pay it, but not to the collection agency.

Remember...(and this is very good advice), on your credit report, a paid collection is just as bad as an unpaid collection. So get to know your consumer rights, and fight, fight, fight.

And kids, that's today's lesson!

FYI-

It's not uncommon for the medical field to use patient's SSN as a unique identifier (rightly or not) - its not necessarily used to 'screw' you in the event you don't pay...

[MissStacey 1]

I just went to the Gynecologist a few days ago. I found a great one.

I actually picked him because his name is William Farrell- I wanted to be able say "Will Farrell is my Gynecologist."

He was very nice and told me I had a beautiful cervix. He's a keeper.

[*JG* 2]

This is something I'm not looking forward to either. Not only will I need a dentist, but I'll need a pediatrician for my son, a gynocologist for me and then a family doctor. Wish I could just have 1 doctor for everything.

There are family practice doctors that can take care of everything you stated above except for the dental issues.

[Emancipation 2]

I just went to the Gynecologist a few days ago. I found a great one.

I actually picked him because his name is William Farrell- I wanted to be able say "Will Farrell is my Gynecologist."

He was very nice and told me I had a beautiful cervix. He's a keeper.

THat is a great story Stacey!! Gave me a giggle!!

Back from the dentist.. no TV's in the exam rooms.. how barbaric.. I guess here in CT it's not so common to have a patient TV mounted in the ceiling so you can watch TV whilst they work.. I've asked about everyone I know here, and no one has TV in their dentist chair.. Flip i miss that perk.

Never did see the dentist.. just saw the hygenist.. she was okay.. a bit rough but nothing to go through the whole "finding" process again..

[NavarreMan 10]

Here's my $0.02 worth.

My Mother raised 8 children. Every dentist she ever sent me to was fantastic. A few years ago I asked her how she always picked such good dentists. Her reply surprized me. Every dentist I have ever been to (except for military dentists and ones that I chose) had graduated from Creighton University. I guess there is something about their schooling, I don't know, but every one my Mother picked was great.

About the Social Security number: That number is a "Federal Tax Identification Number". Be very careful who you give it to. A bank can require it because of financial transactions. Obviously your employer would need it. There are some others as well. But if anyone tells you they need it for identification, tell them to take a hike and offer your drivers license. The cable company, phone company, electric company and others do not have a valid need for this number. Guard it carefully.

[Mephys 2]

Yeah I am so not comfortable with that SSN thing..... I mean in Canada I gave it only to the employers I was working for.

Here it's like, any applications for a job ( I leave it blank) or doctors or dentists, or phone company or appartment place......What is it with that ???? I really don't like it.

And I hear you Emancipation, I hate to have to start all over. New dentist, new hair stylist, new doctor, new vet for my cats, it's just do hard to trust new people when you are used to deal with the same ones for years....

/sigh

[NavarreMan 10]

Yeah I am so not comfortable with that SSN thing..... I mean in Canada I gave it only to the employers I was working for.

Here it's like, any applications for a job ( I leave it blank) or doctors or dentists, or phone company or appartment place......What is it with that ???? I really don't like it.

And I hear you Emancipation, I hate to have to start all over. New dentist, new hair stylist, new doctor, new vet for my cats, it's just do hard to trust new people when you are used to deal with the same ones for years....

/sigh

Your "children" look as if they are taking a break from destroying the house!!! Are they or

[Jasman0717 9]

I find it really difficult to give up my dentist. I have been with them, husband and wife team and now oldest son, for 25 years. My insurance wants me to use dentists in their network but I just can't give my dentist up so don't get the full coverage of the insurance.