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Can I change dentists and have my x-rays sent to the new dentist?

S

soccermom

Junior member
Joined
Jan 17, 2008
Messages
6
I just went to the dentist after 13 years. So, of course I need tons of work done. The thing is I didn't realize how little my insurance would cover! So, after the shock of the huge proposed bill I started looking into Aetna's Dental Access discount program. It looks to be the way to go since I can't afford all of this work. But, with my regular insurance I could go to anyone but with this plan I would need to go to a certain dentist. So, my question is when I went yesterday the only thing I had done was an exam and x-rays. My next appt is scheduled for a deep cleaning which I could have done there too. But can I have my x-rays sent to the new dentist so I can start treatment with him since my insurance plan will be exhausted relatively soon or would I have to start all over?? I pray that's not the case. Any help much appreciated!!!:)
 
The laws are different in different countries and situations.
i believe that in the States- your xrays are classified as your property- and you can request to have them if you want them.
In the UK, if you are an NHS patient on the other hand- the xrays belong to the NHS.
In either case- it is also possible to copy xrays- and although that can also cost a bit- at least you wouldn't be exposed to any more radiation than is neccessary.
I think that they will be very understanding to your situation as I am sure it will have happend several times before- and that they will happily help you out.
Regards
Mike
 
i believe that in the States- your xrays are classified as your property- and you can request to have them if you want them.

Not quite true - the situation in the US is that the dentist is legally obliged to keep the originals, but they are also obliged to provide you with a copy upon request. Some dentists may do this for free (esp. if the records are digital), but they are allowed to charge a reasonable fee for this service (from what I've read, 20 - 40 dollars seems common).

However, before you switch insurance plans, you should make absolutely sure that the dentist on the new plan is someone you actually would choose even if it weren't for the insurance. This would at least involve making an appointment for consultation, to see if you like and trust the dentist. You don't want to get stuck in a situation where you switch insurance only to find out that you don't really want to make use of the new insurance plan :).
 
It's a similar situation to the US one, you can ask for them to be copied and for copies to go to somewhere else, but the dentist will want to keep the originals. Again, a "reasonable" charge can be leveled for making the copies.
 
why would he want to keep a copy if u switch dentists?
 
why would he want to keep a copy if u switch dentists?

In case you try to sue him at a later date I should think.
 
i always thought if u pay for them surely they're yours although i was just reading some where if u want anything to do with dental records or just medical records generally they can charge u £50..... maybe its the same?!?!
 
With models there's much more of a storage issue long-term, I would have thought. In the 1970s my orthodontist gave me my before and after cast models to keep when treatment was complete.
 
I'm always trying to give models away, but the blooming patients won't take them!
 
smashing them against a wall is gr8 stress relief :)
 
I'd love to have my molds, I could put them on a shelf in the computer suite, attach a webcam, microphone, speakers, the lot and keep an eye on my students and not even be present in person. And if I got some string to move them like a puppet so they appeared to be speaking themselves, I doubt if anyone would notice I wasnt even there.
 
Thanks for all of the replies. It is so comforting to have somewhere to go with my questions! Since I am trying to face my fears. I had no idea they could charge you to transfer the x-rays. The x-rays were done electronically. I guess now my only thing is what to do now?? Do I switch dentists before my full mouth debridement and possible four quandrant Perio scaling. Or do I just use my regular insurance until I reach my limit with this dentist, which would be done after I got my teeth and gums cleaned and then switch (so I can use the discount plan)?? Or is it best to just start transferring over to another dentist now before anything more is done. Any advice on which way to go?

:(
 
would depend if he or she is a nice dentist to whether u wud smash em against a wall wouldnt it ? :).........
 
I'm sorry if this didn't sound good. I really hadn't thought about it like smashing the dentist against the wall. Unfortunately, since I hadn't been to the dentist in 13 years I had no idea what my insurance would cover, how it worked, how much work I would need done and the dentist did not of course inform me there were discount plans out there since finances were a problem. They were very nice but of course even though their nice the bottom line is I can't afford it. So, then I just thought maybe I should atleast let them do the cleanings and xrays to give them that much buisness but maybe it's just best to go ahead and make the move now? Since they might not want to do just that part of the treatment. I don't know I'm just really new to all of this.:shame:
 
Soccermom - being able to envisage yourself as a "dental consumer" so early on in your journey is pretty amazing :respect:. Not many people around here are able to do that, so hats off to you! It would be entirely possible to get cleaning and x-rays done by them and then move on, but...

It's been said that when you ask 5 different dentists for their opinion, you'll get 10 different opinions (or something like that :p). Their recommendations regarding your treatment (and subsequently, the cost) may vary considerably, depending on their philosophy and clinical experiences (and sometimes, "incentives" such as insurance or discount plans can influence their treatment recommendations as well). Some forms of dental plans can lead a dentist to recommend treatments that they would not necessarily recommend to their own family (even taking cost considerations into account). For example, dental discount plans *may* tempt *some* dentists to push for procedures which are not covered under the plan, or *may* lead them to recommend more expensive and/or more extensive procedures than necessary. After all, they'll want to make up for the losses that result from taking part in a dental discount plan (the dentist gets paid about 10 to 60% less than they normally would, and the difference goes to the dental plan provider, who is the big winner in this transaction).

I'm not saying that all dentists who participate in discount plans will resort to shady tactics (others might simply crank up the volume and treat more patients, which can result in the "production line" dilemma, or use discount plans as a means of becoming established in an area) - but it is a possibility which you should be aware of.

To ensure continuity of care, it would be wise to form a relationship with a dentist you can trust. Good ways of finding a caring dentist include asking other people (friends, family, colleagues, acquaintances) for recommendations.

Charges and proposed treatment can vary a lot from office to office, and you're looking for someone who provides a good fit for your needs.

If your current dentist's recommendations are not affordable and they haven't come up with any good alternatives or financing options, it would be a good idea to get a second opinion of someone who is recommended to you by other people in your area. If you're feeling really brave, you could also ring a few dental specialists (periodontists or endodontists) in your area and ask them to recommend a general dentist (make sure you mention that you're looking for someone with an excellent bedside manner as well as dentistry skills).

At the price you were quoted, a second opinion certainly wouldn't go amiss :) - and you might find that someone else offers similar at lower rates.
 
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