Dental Billing error?

I had a root canal performed in June 07. I ended up having a major surgery and almost died in August and do not believe another appt was made to see the endo but was told RC needed to be completed. I thought the completion would be the post and build up but it ends up it was the other 1/2 of the first RC. I called Delta Dental today and $270 of my $1200 was used up last year and I was shocked as I thought they billed for the RC but "can't because it wasn't completed". I told them they needed to have told me this and how would I know NOTHING was billed yet and "couldn't be billed until it was complete". And with the massive surgery, I didn't schedule to come back because to lay backwards after 2 major abdmoinal surgeries would have been hard plus I thought the RC was done except for build up/post . I told the billing rep I wouldn't know that they couldn't or didn't charge for services rendered, let alone know it was never actually completed. What can I do? It was put off on me.

Dental Billing error?
You can look online at the Delta site (www.deltadental.com) to see if the payment was for a root canal treatment or if it was for something else, like other dental services needed prior to the actual treatment (exam, xray, pulpectomy, etc.).





You can also request a copy of the EOB (Explanation of Benefits) for the payment.





Yes, the root canal fee should have been submitted after treatment was completed.... this could be a fraud case, but you won't know until you get more info from Delta.





Best of luck to you, and I hope you're feeling better!





:)
Reply:In the office I work for we sometimes bill two separate procedures. The first procedure would be considered a palliative treatment-usually done to alleviate pain until a root canal can be done at a later date. Sometimes the palliative treatment is called an open and drain depending on the dentist. $270 seems a lot though for this procedure (we charge 91.00) and too little for a root canal (prices can vary from (530-825). I would call Delta Dental back and ask them exactly what was done and explain your situation to them. Sometimes they can reverse the charges if it was in error. Hope this helps!!