Complaints

• Initial Complaint

  05/07/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  On January 30, 2024 I went to the dental office I have been going to for about 10 years. I had an appointment for my 6 month teeth cleaning. When I arrived I discovered my previous dentist had sold her practice to River Valley Dentistry. I filled out several pages of new paperwork. I agreed to a teeth cleaning. I sat down in the chair and the hygienist probed my mouth for a few minutes. She did not clean my teeth or polish them. I had no diagnostic X-rays. She had the dentist, Dr. **** ****** come in. He informed me I had periodontal gum disease and provided me two referrals (copies attached) I found immediately found this very odd as my previous dentist over the last several years had actually reduced the frequency of my cleanings. The condition of my teeth and gums had shown continuous improvement with no cavities or gum problems in my annual x-rays. I decided not to use the referrals. I felt I was being told I had periodontal disease when I did not believe I had it. I never received a bill. I assumed since I didn’t keep any referral appointment, reschedule another cleaning, or receive any type of cleaning, polish or x-ray, there was no charge. I decided to go to another dentist in town a month or two later. I just went in for a check up and cleaning. I was x-rayed and my teeth were cleaned and polished. The dentist said my teeth and gums were healthy and “looked great.” I did not inform them of the diagnosis of periodontal disease I had received from River Valley Dentistry. I heard nothing until a few days ago when I received an email asking me to fill out paper work for another visit. I had not scheduled a visit and ignored the message. May 3, I received two bills from River Valley. In two separate envelopes both bulk mailed at the same time. (See matching code on bottom of each envelope.) Each bill had a different statement date and stated they were over due. These bills totaled $238.74. One bill had a statement date of March 21 and a due date of May 20 and stated that 40.74 was over 90 due and the entire balance was $238.74. A second bill was dated May 4 and stated that the statement date was April 4 and was 30 days overdue for $198.00 and 90 days overdue for $40.74. I received absolutely no service for these charges. River Valley Dentistry and Dr. *** fraudulently stated that I had periodontal disease and then tried to send me to one of the periodontics offices of their friend. Dr. ****** provided no services. He has fraudulently submitted a claim to my insurance company for services I did not receive. I believe his business practice should be investigated. I will not pay these billing statements. Please advise them if they send me to collections or report this on my credit report I will file suit again them and will determine if others have been lied to and sent on with referrals that were not needed. I am also filing contemporaneously a complaint with the Tennessee Board of Dentistry.

  Business response

  05/20/2024

  On January 30 we saw ****** ******** in or office. In that visit we took necessary records and preformed an exam. We came to a diagnosis in accordance to the standards of care set by the State Board of Dentistry. We then provided two referral options to appropriate specialist. The insurance that was presented to our front desk by Mr ******** was inactive which resulted in an auto bill payment being generated and delivered. tThe bill totals that were generated were incorrect. My office has reached out to Mr. ******** to let him know that he is not obligated to pay anything for his visit to my office.  

  Customer response

  05/22/2024

  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me on one condition; I would like a corrected invoice that indicates I owe no balance. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ****** ********

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