Cost-cutting at Delta Dental: B.Y.O.B.

So Delta Dental originally refused to pay for my wisdom teeth removal, somehow suggesting that the experience was recreational and not absolutely completely necessary. My oral surgeon sent Delta x-rays and a narrative explaining that, yes, it was necessary. So Delta finally paid -- but only for the cost of removing the teeth. They didn't cover any anesthesia, which in my case was cheesy, inadequate novocaine because they couldn't find a vein on my zombie-esqe body to use IV sedation. Who knew that in the world of dental insurance we have to bring our own bottles of brandy to surgery to try to numb the pain?

Comments

[Scott Sheffield]

I had the same experience with Delta Dental. My son needed wisdom teeth out and the day of the removal the dentist told us delta would only pay to remove them on one side. They were not really a problem for him but the dentist said they could become a problem in the future. I did not my son going through that procedure twice, so I cancelled. He still has them and I hope they cut through so he can have them removed like I did which basically involved a wrench ad a dentists foot on your chest. :)

[Mike, DDS]

I'm a dentist and I agree Delta is a crock. They bully dentists into signing into a contract with them by sending reimbursement checks directly to the patient if you dont sign up. Then once they have your signature (and your soul) they set policies that interfere with providing the best quality treatment for the paitent.