So I went for my dental cleaning this morning and they tried to push me to buy their special dental plan (I have no dental insurance). I told them that's Ok, I am self pay and didnt want it. Then they informed me I needed x-rays (which would cost just a bit less than their plan, making it a BiG BaRgAiN). I told them they took my x-rays last year and I didnt need them again, I was just there for a cleaning.
Then the receptionist said, "Oh we cant see you if you don't get x-rays, It the LAW. Everyone has to get them once a year."
I said, "Really? That's interesting, may I please have a copy of that law for my own reference?"
She got flustered and went and got the office manager. The office manager cooly asked, "May I please ask what your concern is?"
I said, "My concern is that I do not like unnecessary procedures (I'm a RN).
She stated in an authoritative tone, "Everyone need annual x-rays and we would be negligent if we did not take x-rays of our clients."
I asked in an authoritative tone, "Where is this LAW that determines that all dental patients need annual x-rays?"
She said, "I'll go and get the dentist for you."
The dentist arrived, all friendly and charming, "What's the problem?"
I said all friendly, charming, and chatty back, 'There isn't a problem. I'm being told I must comply to a LAW and I want to see the copy of the law. Easy Peazy,"
He hemmed and hawed, "Well, I dont know that its a law--"
"It isn't," I interrupted, "I checked."
He went on, "But as a dentist I personally feel that I cant treat you properly without annual x-rays and it is our policy."
"THERE it is", I pointed out, "It's a policy, not a law. That's what I thought."
He was red. "But its a policy that is strictly adhered to and we will not treat you without x-rays."
"Oh NO PROBLEM, I've quite lost interest in being treated here anyway. I don't like being manipulated and I was being manipulated so that you could have guaranteed annual revenue. Annual x-rays on every patient is a lot of money, I get it. SO you all have a nice day and I will find another dentist office."
I walked out but noted with some dismay at all of the jaws dropped in the waiting room.
I should have said to them before I left...."I'm waking up. Please, YOU wake up too."
I had the same thing two years ago. They wanted me to go through the entire barrage of xrays and imaging, with the line "something might have changed". I just bloody had this procedure 6 months prior as the dentist which I really liked, had retired and recommended this place. I told the gal I am not paying for this again, and pretty much said, I can leave right now -- I do not need this dentist and to be frank I don't like the guy quite honestly.
I completely understand expensive equipment, I have a lot for my business. But there is a point when you have the equipment paid off and you are simply making a high profit off a low cost to you service which equates to overcharge. Yes it takes some skill to push a button ?, but honestly, I could teach a cat to take dental images, it's not precisely a high IQ skill. Xrays are such a bloated expense at dentist offices, and insurance won't always cover the cost in full much less partially. Apparently chewing food with your own teeth can be considered "cosmetic" depending on which carrier you use.