Financial Information
Treatment Fees: Treatment fees are based on the severity of the orthodontic problems, the type of orthodontic appliances used and the length of treatment. Affordable payment plans are available. We welcome insurance and will assist you in filing your claim. Master Card and Visa are accepted.
Payment Plans: All payment plans provided by Dr. Staggers are interest free and involve a down payment, due an the start of treatment, followed by monthly payments until the balance is paid off. A discount is offered for payment of the entire orthodontic fee at the start of treatment.
Payment Using an Independent Financing Company: Payment of the orthodontic treatment fee can be made using an independent financing company called Orthodontic Fee Plan (OFP) by Capital One. OFP offers short-term and long-term (up to 5 years) financing and no down payment plans. OFP does charge interest on its financing. Applications for financing can be taken by telephone or internet from your home or office. For more information on OFP CLICK HERE or call 1-877-559-5050 toll free.
Payment Problems: In the unfortunate case that financial problems arise during treatment, please contact the office so that we may assist you. New financial arrangements may be possible. Should you find that you can no longer afford treatment, you can stop treatment at any time. You will only be financially responsible for treatment that has been received.
Insurance: Dr. Staggers’ office
will assist you in filing your insurance. Please be aware that insurance
policies vary and some of this information may not apply to your policy. The
office staff will provide you with a form so that you may complete the patient
information section. You do not need to bring a claim form from your insurance
company. However, you do need the policy or group number, the policy holder's
social security number and the company address where claims are to be sent.
Orthodontic claims are filed on two occasions. The first is for the orthodontic
records. Since the records involves radiographs and a clinical examination, most
insurance companies will cover a portion of the records fee, even if the policy
does not cover orthodontic services. Typically, insurance companies cover about
50% of the records fee. The
second time an orthodontic claim is filed is for the orthodontic treatment fee
at the beginning of treatment. If you would like to know what portion of the
orthodontic fee your insurance company will pay prior to the start of treatment,
this claim can be filed prior to the start of treatment as a pretreatment
estimate. The insurance company will then send you a form explaining how much of
the fee is covered and their reimbursement schedule. This information is also
available in the insurance handbook given to you at the time of insurance
purchase or may be obtained by calling your insurance company.
Regardless of whether a pretreatment estimate is filed, Dr. Staggers' office
will file for the orthodontic treatment fee on the day that treatment is
started. Orthodontic appliances must be in place in order for the insurance
company to consider payment of the claim. The staff will file for the entire
treatment at the start of treatment. The insurance company will consider the
entire orthodontic fee once the form has been received and will decide on the
amount that will be covered. The insurance company will send you a check based
on what is covered under your policy. In order for the treatment fee to be
covered, you must have a policy that includes orthodontic services.
Most orthodontic policies cover $1000.00 to
$1500.00 per lifetime of the child.
General dentistry policies will not cover orthodontic services. Insurance
companies reimburse claims at different rates. Most insurance companies will
send you a check quarterly. Only rarely will the insurance company reimburse you
on a monthly basis. Insurance companies NEVER pay the entire amount covered in
one lump sum.