Dentist recommendation. Retired federal employee w/blue cross dental insurance

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  #16  
Old 11-11-2023, 06:54 AM
sharonl7340 sharonl7340 is offline
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Retired fed here with GEHA. Marion Dental is a private practice that is NOT a chain. Excellent customer service and excellent dentists.
  #17  
Old 11-11-2023, 06:56 AM
Laurel Maryland Laurel Maryland is offline
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Originally Posted by golfgal44 View Post
I have been looking for a participating provider who does not practice what seems to be the standard down here. Been to two dentists and before they even ask your name, they want your insurance info. Then, after x-rays, they hand you a laundry list of things they say you need. They are so happy to tell you what the total cost would be without insurance and what “my cost” would be.
I relocated here one year ago and visited my dentist regularly. I do not have any dental issues. I wanted a cleaning. When I told them that I will call them at a later time, they suddenly became borderline nasty.
I did find a dentist who I referred to my relative because of rave reviews from this forum and my relative loved him. He takes no insurance at all.
I am looking for a reputable, caring, “honest” dentist who is in network with blue cross blue shield, federal employee program. I’ve been paying for coverage for two years and cannot find someone reputable for a cleaning, etc. i will drive out of the area for quality service. Please HELP!
I'm also a Fed. The problem is that your dental benefits from Blue Cross and Blue Shield are minimal, even on the higher option plans. On a dental cleaning, Blue Cross is going to reimburse you about 10 bucks. Hardly worth filing the claim. You need to purchase a supplemental dental policy. I have Met Life Dental Federal Employee Plan. Costs me about $40/month. It's accepted at a lot of dental offices and pays 50% to 75% of usual and customary fees to participating dentists. I've had no problems finding dentists who accept Met Life Dental down here and my out-of-pocket costs have been very low. Try to sign up for a supplemental dental policy now during open season.
  #18  
Old 11-11-2023, 07:06 AM
dlspiess dlspiess is offline
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Originally Posted by bobeaston View Post
The Main Street Dentists in Leesburg, downtown on old 44. Larger than a one man shop, full service well done. They are very courteous. As serious dentists they have practices and sequences of service that ensure good dental health .... NOT upselling. BTW, the practice of making recommendations after doing x-rays is a sign of COMPETENT dentistry, not of quack. I don't understand complaining about that.

When we first moved here, dentistry coverage on regular health insurance plans was rare. As it became more common, Main Street Dentists picked up the service of handling health insurance claims.

We're very pleased with them.
Main Street Dentisr is not pushy and they due process insurance claims. However they are not in any networks so you pay full price for the work.
  #19  
Old 11-11-2023, 07:20 AM
NJRICHARD NJRICHARD is offline
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Default A touch of art dental studio?????

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Originally Posted by JGVillages View Post
We have Florida Blue, Florida’s Blue Cross BS, and we use Dr Davis at “A Touch of Art Dental Studio” (352-405-6500). We find here very pleasant, knowledgeable, and they will recommend services but are not pushy by any means. Not sure if they accept your Federal BCBS insurance but I’d ask.
A Touch of Art Dentist was convenient to The Villages, A BIG EXPENSIVE ERROR....Let Me Explain: I had x-rays from a recent dentist sent to them and wanted to have my teeth cleaned. They cleaned my teeth (nothing special 15-min+-) gave me two injections of anti-biotics (?) and I had $800 left over on my insurance which they took and THEN CHARGED ME AN ADDITIONAL $485.!! AND, sent my Insurance Co., a bill for $1700!! They also gave me an estimate of OVER $6000 for completely unnecessary work! IMO, AVOID THIS PLACE!!
  #20  
Old 11-11-2023, 07:37 AM
vonbork vonbork is offline
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Default Retired fed with GEHA.

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Originally Posted by golfgal44 View Post
I have been looking for a participating provider who does not practice what seems to be the standard down here. Been to two dentists and before they even ask your name, they want your insurance info. Then, after x-rays, they hand you a laundry list of things they say you need. They are so happy to tell you what the total cost would be without insurance and what “my cost” would be.
I relocated here one year ago and visited my dentist regularly. I do not have any dental issues. I wanted a cleaning. When I told them that I will call them at a later time, they suddenly became borderline nasty.
I did find a dentist who I referred to my relative because of rave reviews from this forum and my relative loved him. He takes no insurance at all.
I am looking for a reputable, caring, “honest” dentist who is in network with blue cross blue shield, federal employee program. I’ve been paying for coverage for two years and cannot find someone reputable for a cleaning, etc. i will drive out of the area for quality service. Please HELP!
I use Lake Sumter Dental. They did as you described and gave me a list, but I just ignored it and scheduled another cleaning for six months out. Yearly they will do x-rays and if anything is found, we discuss. Dr. Price.
  #21  
Old 11-11-2023, 07:39 AM
Bness Bness is offline
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Default Been there done that

Relocated here 18 months ago. Sounds like the same experience I had at The Villages Smiles on 44.
I am now seeing Dr Jones over on the 441. Jones Dentistry totally surprised me with their kind up front x-rays, cleaning and consultation with Dr Jones. Dentistry as it should be. In and out in about an hour with clean choppers and an appointment in 6 months.
Give them a try.
  #22  
Old 11-11-2023, 07:44 AM
Cassieb Cassieb is offline
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Default You need Dr. Shields of Lake Miona Dental Care in Oxford.

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Originally Posted by golfgal44 View Post
I have been looking for a participating provider who does not practice what seems to be the standard down here. Been to two dentists and before they even ask your name, they want your insurance info. Then, after x-rays, they hand you a laundry list of things they say you need. They are so happy to tell you what the total cost would be without insurance and what “my cost” would be.
I relocated here one year ago and visited my dentist regularly. I do not have any dental issues. I wanted a cleaning. When I told them that I will call them at a later time, they suddenly became borderline nasty.
I did find a dentist who I referred to my relative because of rave reviews from this forum and my relative loved him. He takes no insurance at all.
I am looking for a reputable, caring, “honest” dentist who is in network with blue cross blue shield, federal employee program. I’ve been paying for coverage for two years and cannot find someone reputable for a cleaning, etc. i will drive out of the area for quality service. Please HELP!
You need Dr. Shields of Lake Miona Dental Care in Oxford. I too have BCBS for Federal Employees which her office takes. She will take her time with you. Her number is 352-461-0830.
  #23  
Old 11-11-2023, 07:51 AM
M2inOR M2inOR is offline
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Originally Posted by sharonl7340 View Post
Retired fed here with GEHA. Marion Dental is a private practice that is NOT a chain. Excellent customer service and excellent dentists.
We too use Marion, but don't use insurance. We've been using them for 4 years, even though we are down south of 44.

Before retiring, visited dentist every 6 months, and it's been a long time since any major work was needed. We still visit Marion Dental Group every 6 months for cleaning, checkups, and X-rays. Cost is very reasonable.

Marion accepts very few insurance providers. Does not accept what we have via United Healthcare. Give them a call if you want to see what insurance they accept.
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  #24  
Old 11-11-2023, 08:03 AM
nn0wheremann nn0wheremann is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by golfgal44 View Post
I have been looking for a participating provider who does not practice what seems to be the standard down here. Been to two dentists and before they even ask your name, they want your insurance info. Then, after x-rays, they hand you a laundry list of things they say you need. They are so happy to tell you what the total cost would be without insurance and what “my cost” would be.
I relocated here one year ago and visited my dentist regularly. I do not have any dental issues. I wanted a cleaning. When I told them that I will call them at a later time, they suddenly became borderline nasty.
I did find a dentist who I referred to my relative because of rave reviews from this forum and my relative loved him. He takes no insurance at all.
I am looking for a reputable, caring, “honest” dentist who is in network with blue cross blue shield, federal employee program. I’ve been paying for coverage for two years and cannot find someone reputable for a cleaning, etc. i will drive out of the area for quality service. Please HELP!
Takes no insurance is your best option. Service Benefit Plan BCBS dental is a bad joke. Not worth the dentist’s time to file the claim, but the claim has to be filed and denied to get any FEDVIP carrier to pay.

Avoid Aspen Dental. They are in network but so incompetent with filing they still have not been paid by Concordia for December ‘22 service. It took them seven months to get the denial from BCBS FEP.
  #25  
Old 11-11-2023, 08:17 AM
HospitalCoder HospitalCoder is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by golfgal44 View Post
I have been looking for a participating provider who does not practice what seems to be the standard down here. Been to two dentists and before they even ask your name, they want your insurance info. Then, after x-rays, they hand you a laundry list of things they say you need. They are so happy to tell you what the total cost would be without insurance and what “my cost” would be.
I relocated here one year ago and visited my dentist regularly. I do not have any dental issues. I wanted a cleaning. When I told them that I will call them at a later time, they suddenly became borderline nasty.
I did find a dentist who I referred to my relative because of rave reviews from this forum and my relative loved him. He takes no insurance at all.
I am looking for a reputable, caring, “honest” dentist who is in network with blue cross blue shield, federal employee program. I’ve been paying for coverage for two years and cannot find someone reputable for a cleaning, etc. i will drive out of the area for quality service. Please HELP!
No idea which insurance they accept, but call Marion Dental. I’m very satisfied with their operation.
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  #26  
Old 11-11-2023, 08:32 AM
SophieP SophieP is offline
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If you don't mind driving to Ocala, we found a terrific dentist on SR200, have been going there for 8 years and also have BCBS Fed dental. Stickney Dental, 7651 SW Hwy 200, Suite 101, Ocala. 352-854-2000. Insurance allows 3 cleanings/year and he never does anything unless it's necessary....excellent dentist!
  #27  
Old 11-11-2023, 08:33 AM
dbwalter dbwalter is offline
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Default Hard to find with Fed BCBS

Quote:
Originally Posted by golfgal44 View Post
I have been looking for a participating provider who does not practice what seems to be the standard down here. Been to two dentists and before they even ask your name, they want your insurance info. Then, after x-rays, they hand you a laundry list of things they say you need. They are so happy to tell you what the total cost would be without insurance and what “my cost” would be.
I relocated here one year ago and visited my dentist regularly. I do not have any dental issues. I wanted a cleaning. When I told them that I will call them at a later time, they suddenly became borderline nasty.
I did find a dentist who I referred to my relative because of rave reviews from this forum and my relative loved him. He takes no insurance at all.
I am looking for a reputable, caring, “honest” dentist who is in network with blue cross blue shield, federal employee program. I’ve been paying for coverage for two years and cannot find someone reputable for a cleaning, etc. i will drive out of the area for quality service. Please HELP!
I have been here for 18 yrs and like my dentist. BUT they take no insurance. I have GEHA as my dental ins but you have to file with BCBS first even though they pay next to nothing. I just had some major dental work done (due to not keeping up with my routine visits) and had to see a specialist. She is wonderful. But they just stopped taking insurance. What a nightmare. When this is done I will be looking for new dentists in network too. However, it seems to be becoming normal practice for dentist not to take insurance which means more money out of our pocket.
  #28  
Old 11-11-2023, 08:47 AM
Snowbug Snowbug is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by golfgal44 View Post
I have been looking for a participating provider who does not practice what seems to be the standard down here. Been to two dentists and before they even ask your name, they want your insurance info. Then, after x-rays, they hand you a laundry list of things they say you need. They are so happy to tell you what the total cost would be without insurance and what “my cost” would be.
I relocated here one year ago and visited my dentist regularly. I do not have any dental issues. I wanted a cleaning. When I told them that I will call them at a later time, they suddenly became borderline nasty.
I did find a dentist who I referred to my relative because of rave reviews from this forum and my relative loved him. He takes no insurance at all.
I am looking for a reputable, caring, “honest” dentist who is in network with blue cross blue shield, federal employee program. I’ve been paying for coverage for two years and cannot find someone reputable for a cleaning, etc. i will drive out of the area for quality service. Please HELP!
I habe BCBS Federal Program and use Liza Feliciano at Smile Design Dentistry on 441 in Summerfield. She is very thorough and will take initial x-rays to see the condition of your teeth. She will be up-front with you and be honest. I know her to be an upright person. I go in for 2 crowns on Monday!
  #29  
Old 11-11-2023, 09:15 AM
Kathe Kathe is offline
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Default Good and bad

Touch of Art takes BC and does a good job. Trailwinds Dental is a fraud. They told me insurance would pay for some of my dental, even on paper, but they didn’t stand behind their written quote. They wouldn’t talk to me but they did talk to Seniors Vs. Crime. They told them basically a written quote means nothing. $500 later, and a new dentist, I call the insurance company before I let ANY dentist treat me.
  #30  
Old 11-11-2023, 09:41 AM
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Glowfromminnesota Glowfromminnesota is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by golfgal44 View Post
I have been looking for a participating provider who does not practice what seems to be the standard down here. Been to two dentists and before they even ask your name, they want your insurance info. Then, after x-rays, they hand you a laundry list of things they say you need. They are so happy to tell you what the total cost would be without insurance and what “my cost” would be.
I relocated here one year ago and visited my dentist regularly. I do not have any dental issues. I wanted a cleaning. When I told them that I will call them at a later time, they suddenly became borderline nasty.
I did find a dentist who I referred to my relative because of rave reviews from this forum and my relative loved him. He takes no insurance at all.
I am looking for a reputable, caring, “honest” dentist who is in network with blue cross blue shield, federal employee program. I’ve been paying for coverage for two years and cannot find someone reputable for a cleaning, etc. i will drive out of the area for quality service. Please HELP!
I have my health and dental appointments set up to come back to Minnesota in April. It took me too long to find a dentist that I trust. Been down the road of Florida dentistry as a kid. Never again. I have Cobra for 18 months.
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