J R. on Insider Pages 9 years ago
04/14/2014, 14:33 PM
Worst Dental Experience Ever
ONE OF THE WORST DENTAL EXPERIENCES OF MY LIFE!!!
DO NOT GO TO THIS DENTIST!!!
DIDN'T EVEN DESERVE A 1-STAR!!!
***TOTAL SCAM***
I was new to the LA area, I had just started a new insurance plan with a new job, and could not look online yet to find a provider, so I asked a friend/co-worker if they had a good dentist. They referred Dr. Matossian. Big mistake!!!
Because my insurance registration was not processed and I couldn't check online, I called to ask if they accepted BC/BS Dental, and was promptly told yes by the incompetent receptionist. She said nothing about being out of network or that I may be responsible for a portion of the initial routine exam and cleaning. They did not request any dental records from my previous dentist and upon arriving to an old building with antiquated office equipment, was told that I would need a full set of x-rays (an extra $140). I provided my insurance card, and again, neither the incompetent receptionist nor the billing specialist explained that they were out of network providers and I would be responsible for a significant portion of the bill, which should be $0.00 out of pocket for an exam and cleaning.
The hygienist was pleasant, but used the same old technology that I experienced in the 80's (pick-axe). There are so many new technologies that I have experienced with the last 3 dentists that I have gone to...I literally felt like I was going back to the stone age.
After the excruciatingly painful cleaning (I have not had a painful cleaning or new cavity in 25+ years), the dentist came in and spent all of 1 min with me (45 seconds looking at the x-rays).
Despite all of this and against my better judgment, I figured that I could live with all of the negatives. Realistically, I was just being lazy and I didn't want to have to waste more time finding a new dentist.
That was until I received a bill equal to 60% of the services. When I called both my insurance and Dr. Matossian's office on Monday morning to ask why I was being billed $170 for a routine exam and cleaning, which should cost nothing out of pocket, I was then told that the Dr. was out of network and I was responsible for the balance. Despite the receptionist admitting fault, I was told that the Dr. would not likely waive any fees. I asked to speak with the billing specialist, who instructed me that they would have an answer for me by the end of the day. I got no response. I called on Tuesday and was given the same answer. Finally on Wednesday, I asked to speak directly to the Dr. and was told he would call me on Friday. At 2pm on Friday, I called the office, only to find out that they are not even open on Fridays, so I paged the Dr. When he called back, he knew nothing of the issue and informed me that he was sorry and that I would be contacted first thing Monday morning. At around noon on Monday, I received a very unprofessional voice message from a blocked number stating that the Dr. approved waiving $69 and that I would still be responsible for $100 payment by the end of the week.
$100 is nothing in the scheme of things, but it is still my hard earned money that should not have to be paid for a $0.00 out-of-pocket routine exam. I made the payment, because I don't want these scam artists sending me to collections.
This was hands down the worst customer service and dental experience ever!!!!
I hope this review is helpful and that you don't have to experience the pain to your mouth or wallet!!!
P.S. They didn't just lose my business, my friend (a 5+ year patient, who was totally surprised and embarrassed) decided that after my ordeal, they are not going to return either. Oops!!! I guess the joke's not on me anymore!