Wondering if anyone can confirm my suspicions that dental clinics charge more if you say you have PHI?
Assuming they do, as the will charge the maximum rate applicable to the treatment.
Recently had two fillings done, the cost was $440, but my PHI covered half. I thought this was super expensive.
Also, before they tell me the cost, they always ask 'do you have private health insurance?'
Some do… e.g. student or pensioner discounts for those that can't afford PHI.
While your filling cost isn't a bargain, depending on the type of filling it does not seem unreasonable.
Just had one filling done and a super clean $320,no PHI. so two for $440 seems ok
Ok thanks everyone. I guess I'm a natural sceptic haha.
I went to the dentist 2 days ago, They had an offer on, $135 for check-up, clean, flouride, polish and xrays. When I went to pay they put it thought as $250 of which my PHI covered $150 and then said don't worry about the gap, unsure if this is a normal practice? It ended up saving me the entire gap as I most likely won't use my full entitlement anyway when I went back for my filling I had to pay $60 out of pocket.
I voted yes because I know I get charged less without PHI when paying all cash.
I used to have PHI and went that route + gap, but since dropping PHI I've found that a few places will give a discounted price if paying cash on the day (can't hurt to ask if you wanted to check).
That said, the prices you were quoted seem very reasonable and I don't think your experience shows that having PHI means you get charged more.
voted yes.
same like massage shops, they know we get some $ back so they want a slice of the cake too.
Voted yes.
My previous dentist actually asked while I was in the chair if I had PHI and go from there.
Some definitely do. One guy didn't mention anything about prices and then tried to charge my fund $750 for a check+clean/OPG XR/simple extraction. When my fund didn't have enough to pay, the receptionist 'discussed' with the dentist and the fee came down to something like 450…
I will be finding another dentist and definitely more careful next time about asking for fees before any work is done.
That being said, not all dentists are like that. My dad is a retired dentist and told me he always gave the full (estimated) $$ figure before performing any service!
Some do. Not all though. A guy over in Hurstville has a 15% discount for cash patients.
Has anyone not seen ads for discounted check-up and clean offers for those without PHI?
Best to enquire about costs before treatment (or go to places that offer no gap service).
You can just say 'no' when they ask if you have PHI, pay the full amount yourself (and potentially get the credit card awards points) & then claim through your insurer using the receipt.
Mine doesn't as I have been seeing the same dentist prior to, and since I got insurance so I can compare.
I am aware of a dentist that will do a cash discount, but I believe that is probably to avoid tax, not rort insurance.