Hi all
My wife recently went to the dentist and the bill was $254.50 with…
012 - Check - $48
114 - Removal of Calculus - $95.50
022 - X-ray - $40
022 - X-ray - $40
121 - Application of fluoride - $31.00
Is this typical pricing for dentists?
Typical Pricing for Dentists?
ShortyX on 01/12/2014 - 16:53
Comments
Everything sounds reasonable except:
121 - Application of fluoride - $31.00
That's a complete farce. You don't need it and if you wanted, you can get flouride from the pharmacy. It's cheap.
I wonder if there's a guideline for prices?
The HICAPs/Medibank rebate sort of sets guidelines, but dentists charge as much as they want, depending on the location they work in.
Why 2 charges for x-rays?
Also agree with paulsterio re the fluoride treatment charge.
Personally I would be querying the bill .An x-ray for each side of the mouth (R/L).
(I work as a dental assistant)
I'm not sure how accurate this is but it's a government website so it should be reliable at the very least: http://www.privatehealth.gov.au/healthinsurance/whatiscovere…
They sound about right however prices can vary depending on the surgery. You can consider asking for quotes (if you wish to consult with other dentists) especially with major procedures but they generally incur a consultation fee.
Sounds about right. In terms of the fluoride, you can't get the same formations/quantity/concentration from the Pharmacy. I doubt you can even get fluoride by itself as you would in the clinic.
interesting read in comparison of these 2 professions:
Dentists versus auto mechanics: are there ethical differences?
http://www.societyfordentalethics.org/pdfs/Dentists_vs_Auto_…anyone can recommend me an 'honest' dentist? LOL i live in Sydney area.
That sounds right actually. Also with the fluoride I agree with the above poster.
Sounds about right. If you're in Victoria it's probably a fraction below average pricing. Bear in mind there is no "schedule" fee due to no medicare coverage for dental, except for those currently eligible for the cdbs scheme (children within eligible family groups).