Preparing for your Consultation

Consulting with an oral surgeon may come with a bit of hesitancy, but don't worry, more people see and oral surgeon than you might think- we just don't make a habit of talking to our friends, family, and co-workers about our oral health. Let's take a look at how we can prepare you for what to expect during your consultation.

The 10 Most Commonly Asked Questions

1. Do I need a referral?

2. Why do I need a consultation?

3. Can I receive an estimate over the phone before I decide to schedule a consultation?

4. Why am I only being offered afternoon appointments when I prefer a morning consultation?

5. Will my insurance cover the consultation? How will I know if I'm going to owe any money out-of-pocket?

Reference Guide

6. What do I need to bring to my consultation?

7. When should I arrive for my consultation?

8. How long will my consultation appointment last?

9 What could cause delays in my appointment?

10. When does my surgery get scheduled?

Do I Need a Referral?

Generally, no! The only type of service that requires a referral to our office is Orthognathic surgery. All other reasons you might schedule a consultation do not require a referral unless your insurance provider indicates that they require you have a referral. In those very rare cases, our team would make you aware of that at the time of scheduling.

If you do have a referral, though, our team will ensure we contact your referring office ahead of your first appointment to gather your referral information and any imaging that office may have on file for you. We do ask that you bring in your referral if you received a physical paper referral. Having treatment expectations from your referring provider is important to our surgeons to ensure that your treatment plan reflects any larger oral healthcare plans your referring provider and/ or general dentist may have for you following your surgical care.

Why Do I Need a Consultation?

You will have the option in your Patient Portal to "PAY NOW" from the 'home page' on your portal. If you have an outstanding balance, you will see that displayed clearly in red. After the payment is securely processed, you will see that your balance should immediately be reduced by that amount. You can navigate to the 'payments page' of your portal to view your Payment and Statement History. If you prefer to make a payment over the phone, you are welcome to contact us at 912.228.8676 and speak with a scheduling specialist to make a payment towards your account. Payments made over the phone will be reflected in your Patient Portal.

Why Does My Patient Portal Show an Outstanding Balance When I Paid My Out-of-Pocket Balance Listed On My Treatment Plan?

For some patients, a remaining Patient Balance may appear on the account if we are awaiting payment from your insurance carrier. In some cases, insurance payments may come in partial payments and once those partial payments are applied ( or if the insurance carrier does not pay the full amount, we expected them to pay and we have to file an appeal), the system may temporarily show that you are responsible for the balance insurance has not yet ( or did not) pay. Rest assured that if you awe a balance after your insurance claims are closed, you will receive a statement from our office detailing the reason for the remaining balance after insurance. If you receive a statement, you will know that the balance in your Patient Portal is correct.

If you believe your Patient Portal is showing you owe a balance in error, contact our billing team at 812.944.40000

I Have Requested and / or I am Waiting for A Refund. When/ How Can I Expect That Refund to be Processed?

If you have requested, or are owed, a refund you will not be able to see that in your Patient Portal until after the refund has been fully processed. Refund methods will depend on your original method of payment, and as such, can vary in the amount of time it takes to receive your returned funds. We assure you that we take our responsibility of handling your money very seriously and make every effort to return any owed refunds promptly.

If you have any questions or concerns about an outstanding refund, contact our Billing Team at 812.944.4000

Does New Albany Offer Financing?

Though we do not offer in-house financing or payment programs, we do partner with a number of convenient industry options including:

Care Credit, Cherry, and Lending Club

If you would like to discuss these options, contact your Patient Care Coordinator to review which financing option mat be best for you. Your Patient Care Coordinator to review which financing option may be best for you. Your Patient Care Coordinator is always available to assist with your application process too.

From Consultation to Confidence - in 3 Steps

STEP 1
Understand Your Case
Our administrative team supports our surgeons in ensuring that you understand your treatment options prior to considering surgery. This begins with capturing the best x-ray imaging to diagnose and plan your surgical care. Your surgeon and patient care coordinator are experts, so be sure to use your consultation as an opportunity to ask any questions you may have after the surgeon completes his exam, Successful surgeries with understanding your case.
STEP 2
Plan A Financially Comfortable Treatment Plan
From the diagnosis, your patient care coordinator will develop a treatment plan estimate to outline the cost o fall treatment options you discussed with your surgeon. prior to your visit, our team verified any dental insurance policy you provided when you scheduled. Those benefits will be carefully applied to your treatment plan to give you an estimated out-of-pocket obligation for those services not covered in part or in full by your insurance provider.
If the out-of-pocket cost of your treatment plan is prohibitive, your patient care coordinator is able to discuss a number of financing options that may work for you. There may also be an opportunity to adjust the timeline of your treatment to "phase" care in more financially feasible increments.
Since payment is due at time of service, our team does everything possible to ensure all foreseeable costs are detailed up front. We are proud that we can be among the few medical providers with whom you don't have to blindly commit to recommended treatment only to be surprised with bills 2-4 weeks later. Our team takes the up front approach to discussing a financially comfortable treatment plan.
STEP 3
Smile Again
If successful surgeries start with understanding your case, then they certainly conclude with understanding your post-operative care. Our clinical team works with your surgeon to provide the most detailed pre- and post-operative care instructions so that healing from surgery isn't holding you back from returning to daily life. Dental treatment, especially oral surgery, can unexpectedly put a stop to your routines and comfort. Completing surgery with New Albany Oral and Facial Surgery mean that you'll be back to smiling again in no time.