New Patient Appointment:
In our office, the patient always comes first. And as a New Patient, your desire for a stunning smile is Dr. Lynskey’s primary concern. Both children and adults appreciate the time Dr. Lynskey takes to explain your orthodontic needs as well as how you may benefit from braces.
Your New Patient experience starts when you call our office to schedule a new patient examination. We typically reserve 45 min to one hour for our New Patient examinations, during which time you will meet our New Patient Treatment Coordinator, tour the office, and have an examination. In order to explain treatment effectively, we take photographs of your face and smile, as well as often including a panoramic radiograph during your exam. Once Dr Lynskey has done a detailed examination of your face, teeth and bite she will sit down and explain your orthodontic options. This may include braces, Invisalign or other appliances. She will also discuss the pros and cons of these options.
Our experienced New Patient Treatment Coordinator will then review the costs associated with treatment, and the specifics for the 3 different payment options (see below) our office offers. Once you feel confident that you are ready to start your journey to a stunning smile, we take impressions and another radiograph to aid in Dr. Lynskey’s detailed treatment plan for your smile. We do allow time at the end of your New Patient appointment to get started to save you a trip. Then all you have to do is relax, sit back, and dream of your stunning smile.
Online Patient Registration
You may pre-register with our office by printing and filling out our Patient Registration Form. Please bring the completed form to your first visit to our office.
Please choose which form is right for you:
Payment Options:
Orthodontic treatment is an excellent investment in the overall dental, medical, and psychological well-being of children and adults. Financial considerations should not be an obstacle in obtaining this important health service. We are sensitive to the fact that people have different needs in fulfilling their financial obligations, so we offer the following payment options:
2) Payment In Full: A bookkeeping courtesy of 5% is offered to those patients pre-paying the enire treatment cost.
3) Office Payment Plans. These plans typically require an initial payment of 20% of the entire treatment cost, followed by monthly payments (via automated withdrawl from your Visa, Mastercard or Bank debit card) for the duration of the payment plan.
Insurance Information:
What is orthodontic insurance? How does it work?
Orthodontic insurance is typically separate from dental insurance. The main difference between orthodontic and regular dental insurance is that you rarely get full coverage for your orthodontic treatment. The benefits are typically 50% of cost up to a lifetime maximum, usually $500 - $3000 depending on your particular policy. Often the insurance company pays an initial down payment then the remaining benefit is paid throughout treatment either on a monthly, quarterly, or semi-annual basis.
How will I know what my estimated benefits are?
Prior to your new patient examination we gather your insurance information – Subscribers name, date of birth, social security #, and insurance company name then we can call and verify the coverage for you. We will then give you a fee estimate including what the estimated insurance portion will be.
What is dual insurance coverage and how does that work?
Dual coverage is when either one parent has two insurance policies or each parent has coverage through their employer. First we verify estimated insurance benefits for each parent. The primary insurance is determined by date of birth, and each company is different in their determination. Once we determine which insurance is primary and secondary we will apply these benefits to the account balance. Typically the primary coverage pays the full lifetime maximum and the secondary will pay a portion of the coverage.
What is a flex spending or HSA plan and how does that work?
A flex spending account allows you to save pre-taxed money for healthcare expenses which includes orthodontics. This type of plan is set up through your employer. Once a payment is made to our office we will print a receipt that you turn into your employer for reimbursement. Any remaining money left in your flex spending account at the end of the calendar year may be lost if not used. HSA accounts generally have a debit card you can use with a predetermined amount on it.
What if I get insurance after starting treatment?
Some insurance companies have a treatment in progress clause which allows us to bill for the treatment, then the insurance company determines how much, if any, they will cover depending on how much treatment time is left. Not all insurance companies carry this clause so you need to check before paying for coverage that you might not be able to use.
Who gets the insurance payment? Me or Dr Lynskey?
As a courtesy to you, we submit your insurance claims and therefore payment is sent directly to us. We will complete your forms, file the claims, and follow-up on payments. This reduces your stress and allows you and your family to receive your care in a timely manner, without the hassle of insurance paperwork.
What happens if I leave/change jobs or my insurance company changes?
If you or your child has not started treatment, it’s no problem. Your new insurance company will be contacted and your new benefits verified. Any changes to your financial estimate will be reviewed with you prior to starting treatment. If you or your child is already in treatment, we will conduct an insurance benefit audit. Your previous benefits and your new coverage will be reviewed and any adjustments necessary will be made to your account.
What if my insurance company doesn’t pay the estimated amount?
Although we will bill and follow up on your orthodontic insurance as a courtesy to you, please remember that you are ultimately responsible for all charges incurred in our office and therefore responsible for any balance not paid by your insurance company. If in the event your insurance company doesn’t pay the estimated benefit, you will be responsible for all remaining unpaid fees including the insurance balance.
Are retainers covered by insurance?
Unfortunately, charges for lost or broken appliances or retainers are rarely covered by insurance.