N E W . P A T I E N T S
Important things you should know about your first visit to the office

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO PRINT YOUR NEW PATIENT PAPERWORK PACKET.
Printing and completing it prior to your visit will give you time to obtain and ensure we have all the information we need at the time of your visit.

Why a consultation?
If this is your first time to our office, your initial visit will be scheduled as a consultation. If you have been here before and are returning to us with a new referral and/or we have not seen you in over 6 months, your visit may be scheduled as a consultation. Occasionally, the doctor may be able to perform a procedure the same day as your initial visit. However, please be aware that this is not a guarantee. There are may factors that are involved in performing an oral surgery procedure. Because we care about your safety and well-being, the doctor needs to examine you, study x-rays when applicable, review medical history and discuss the needs of each individual patient. Sometimes the doctor may require medical clearance, blood work, etc. before treating you. Depending on the procedure and your insurance, you may require prior-authorization before being treated. Know that any procedure, no matter how big or small, is taken seriously and with the patient's best interest in mind. Because of said reasons, it is not uncommon that you will be coming to our office for more than 1 visit.

Why a panoramic x-ray?
In oral surgery, we need an updated x-ray. Teeth can shift in the mouth, especially wisdom teeth, and an x-ray allows the doctor to see a thorough image of inside your mouth, gums, bone, etc.. In oral surgery, we most commonly use a panoramic film or panorex. This is an image that when taken, revolves around your head and takes an image of your entire mouth, including tooth roots, teeth that have not yet erupted through the gum, jaws and sinuses.

If you had a panorex taken by your general dentist or another office within the last year (or 6 months for wisdom teeth), we will certainly use it. Obtain the original or a copy and bring it with you to your appointment. If you do not have this x-ray, we will take one in our office at the time of your consultation.

What if I have another kind of x-ray?
Sometimes dentists or orthodontists may take different types of oral x-rays. They may show just 1 tooth or a couple of teeth at a time. Though on occasion these x-rays may be useful, typically they do not show the doctor the detail he/she needs to see. With that said, if you already have a copy of it in your possession, feel free to bring it. (If not, it is not necessary to obtain it.) But please be aware that a panorex will most likely be needed and taken.

What do I need to bring with me?
A script, note or written treatment plan from the referring doctor. Insurance cards or information. This includes both MEDICAL AND DENTAL insurance information. (See Insurance, Co-pays and out-of-pocket costs below.) Policy holder information for the insurance if not yourself (i.e.: spouse, dependant, etc.). List of all current medications. Referrals if needed*. Please note that a script or note from your dentist is NOT considered an insurance referral.

*When scheduling your appointment with you on the phone, we will ask you insurance information at that time and inform you if a referral will be needed for your visit. However it is ultimately THE RESPONSIBILTY OF THE PATIENT TO BE FAMILIAR WITH THE TERMS AND REQUIREMENTS OF HIS/HER OWN INSURANCE. If you attend your appointment without a required referral, we have the right to re-schedule your appointment. If you are unsure if your plan needs a referral to see a specialist, you should contact your general dentist, primary care physician (for medical insurance) or the insurance company directly and obtain one BEFORE arriving for your visit.

Insurance, Co-pays and out-of-pocket costs
In oral surgery, it is not uncommon that your medical insurance is the primary coverage over dental insurance for some procedures. Procedures are broken down into procedure codes (CPT or ADA) and diagnosis codes (ICD-9). These are factors that are determined after the doctor examines you and your x-ray. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILTY OF THE PATIENT TO BE FAMILIAR WITH THE TERMS AND REQUIREMENTS OF HIS/HER OWN INSURANCE. There may be a co-pay due at the time of your consultation, which is usually stated on the front of your insurance card. After the doctor examines you and determines a detailed treatment plan, as a courtesy, we will then verify your benefit coverage for your procedure to determine your out-of-pocket cost or co-insurance*. If applicable, it is due in full at the time of service. *Please note that no claims are a guarantee of payment. No benefits are accurate until claims are processed and are based on the terms of your plan at the time of service.

What if I do not have any insurance?
Payment is due in full at the time of service. We accept all major credits and personal checks. Any personal checks written for more than $75 are processed electronically. If you are interested in a payment plan, please click here to be directed to our financing page for more information about setting up a payment plan via CareCredit℠.