Dental Fleecing
July 9, 2009
Matty had a dentist appointment last month. He has been going annually for years because ever 6 months is just too much. 
This last visit went so spectacular that they did bump it up to the 6 months though. He didn’t need to be strapped to the papoose board. He didn’t bawl and vomit all over the hygienists. He talked with them and tried to keep himself calm the best he could. It was amazing!
So when I got a bill Tuesday for $107 for Behavior Management, I was confused. I called the dentist’s office first thing yesterday morning to get it cleared up.
Me: I have this charge on my sons bill for Behavior Management. I think it was put there in error since he did so well at the last visit.
Billing Clerk: Oh that is just a generic code which means Special Needs.
Me: So I’m being charged $107 because my son is special needs.
Billing Clerk: Well, I can talk to the doctor and see if maybe we can get it fixed or cut it down to half the price.
Me: Why don’t you do that because I don’t really think it’s fair that I should pay $107 just because my son is mentally handicapped. He sat there in the chair with no problems just like a normal child.
Billing Clerk: Well, I obviously wasn’t in the room with him but I will talk to the doctor. What number can I reach you at?
I was seething!!! I told Kevin that it felt like they were saying, “Well, that guy over there is Mexican, and he could be a problem, so lets charge him an extra $107 just in case we have to calm him.” We all know that wouldn’t fly. So they think it will with a special needs individual. I don’t think so!!
An hour later the billing clerk called me back. They removed the charge. Smart choice. I know this dentist well and I bet he never asked for that to be on there. He is a huge advocate for the special needs community which is why I chose him. He spends his days off on the reservations providing free dental care to the special needs kids that can’t get in to see a dentist.
And I have a feeling that Matty’s chart now has a little yellow sticky note saying to beware of his overly observant, advocating, psycho momma. 
Entry Filed under: Etc.. Tags: advocate, dentist, discrimination, fragile x, special needs.
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1.
beartwinsmom | July 9, 2009 at 1:08 pm
You go, girl!! I’d have called, too, but I probably wouldn’t have been as nice as you were.
2.
pixiemama | July 9, 2009 at 1:43 pm
No, no, no. OMHOG. I’m swearing up such a blue streak that I can’t be coherent. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGG!
3.
kristi | July 9, 2009 at 2:06 pm
UH UH. This mom would have gone OFF on her!
4.
Bill | July 9, 2009 at 5:35 pm
Oh my! As if those us with Fragile X kids have nothing better to do with $107 than to pay extra for dental cleaning. We’re all just rolling in dough, which is why we don’t mind when insurance companies reject us for PT, OT, and speech therapy. Maybe you should ask them what their program of behavior management entailed?
5.
Grampy | July 10, 2009 at 10:50 am
Way to go. Let them know how it is.
6.
Sarah | July 11, 2009 at 9:52 pm
WTF!!!!? I’ve never even heard of that. Good for you for calling them on it.
7.
fragilemom | July 11, 2009 at 11:38 pm
OMG! That is unbelievable! I’d be looking back at my other bills to see if I’d be needing to make another phone call requesting, no demanding, some refunds. I am soooo glad you like your dentist. It’s the only thing that makes it worth staying after something that absurd. Geez, I’ll be watching my next bill! Glad he did good on this visit. We just went last week as well….no vomits either this time.