This time it’s a fairly routine dental visit. Two small pockets of receding gums need ‘periodontal scaling’ before things get worse. 

I’m handed a “Treatment Case” when I arrive, which itemizes the billed charges, the discounted amount insurance will cover (about 50%; not bad) and the Patient out of pocket ($194). 

Due now!

Seems reasonable, except the local anesthesia isn’t going to be covered. (Ouch!) And the charges for the two (identical) pockets are different.

So, Guess Who balks, saying I’ll pay after you bill my Dental Plan.

Uh, oh. I’m in trouble now! I’m asked to step into a private conference room, presumably so the rest of this dialogue isn’t overheard by other patients in the waiting area.

Says the 20-something Patient Relations Manager (PRM): “Jon, this is the way we’ve always done this.” 

Me: “Well actually no, that’s not always been the case, so make an exception or I’ll find a new dentist.” 

You’ll have to wait for Tip # 607 to see how this turns out.

Spoiler Alert: Treatment took 40 minutes. Total billed charges were $720. I walked out the door having paid $0.

And, PRM thinks I’m a total Jerk.

(She could be right!)