Why isn't my evaluation free?

The evaluation appointment is when Dr. LaBell first gets a chance to meet with you to discuss your specific concerns. From the first time you or a referring office contacts our office, we start gathering information regarding dentists that have treated you in the past; the treatment they have provided; any notes, records and X-rays that are relevant and the concern we are being asked to evaluate. We are then prepared to meet with you and feel we understand how the current concern developed, what treatment has been provided already and how this concern relates to the rest of your mouth and your general well-being. During the evaluation we examine your teeth and gums, record the appropriate measurements, insure that there is no other pathology that would be a concern to you or might affect the treatment we recommend, discuss our findings with you, make recommendations for treatment and answer your questions. After you leave, Dr. LaBell, reviews all the information and records, obtains any additional records that need to be tracked down after the appointment and summarizes his findings in a very detailed letter that goes back to your family dentist and any of your other medical professionals that need or would benefit from the information. He often makes phone calls and sends emails to your treating doctors relating the findings and discussing how this treatment fits in with all of your dental needs. Finally, as a courtesy to you, we file a claim with any dental insurance company you may have and duplicate and include all needed records from your visit. As you can see, there is a lot of work before and after you arrive as well as during the actual evaluation appointment that falls under this evaluation. A periodontal office could never invest the amount of time necessary to understand your periodontal concern, insure that treatment recommendations are appropriate and in line with your other dental and medical needs and provide this level of service if the evaluation were free.

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