Cost of Extraction via Dental Benefit Scheme

generally you would need to be referred. as a courtesy for patients frequently dentists will have the list of surgeons that are on bupa/vhi list

markowitzman said:

generally you would need to be referred. as a courtesy for patients frequently dentists will have the list of surgeons that are on bupa/vhi list

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Will the dentist charged their patient to refer them to a surgeon or do they do that as a courtesy to their patient?

Megan please re read what I said. The dentists would have the list of who is on bupa list for example. In answer to your query, obviously yes as they need to examine, frequently xray, write a referral letter, sometimes prescribe as an interim measure, use the receptionists time, use the nurses time, encur the cost of setting up the surgery from a cross-infection perspective specifically for this one patient and of course general fixed overhead also.
Short answer as a courtesy to you.............yes!

I was referred to the oral surgeon by my dentist.
I will be covered for the extraction as it is deemed a surgical procedure according to my dentist.
I am going back to my dentist next week for a filling and will settle with him for the work he has done.
This will include a temp filling on the tooth that was extracted as well as the admin work.
He is very good though as after what you are entitled to via PRSI then the outstanding fee is not a lot and also his work is good....I am happy with the cost and the care I received so that is all that matters IMHO

Thank you Markowitzman for your reply to my question. I do wonder why the dentist do a xray and then when you go to the oral surgeon they do another xray at a further cost to the patient. This isn't covered by VHI.

initial dentist cannot refer what he/she cannot see.

markowitzman said:

initial dentist cannot refer what he/she cannot see.

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My point is why doesn't the dentist forward the xray to the oral surgeon. One xray less for the patient and a saving of €80. (That is the price my daughter's oral surgeon charges for an xray).

good point Megan but it depends what xray you are talking about.
large xray called an opg is frequently only available with oral surgeon whereas smaller periapical xray is frequently taken at general dentist. both xrays are frequently needed. hope this helps.

All dentists should be in a position to provide their patients with OPG's (Panoramic x-rays) and PA's. More modern practices now are able to do this digitally. We do not charge patients for referrals and forward all x-rays required to relevant surgeons. In this digital age, a quick email suffices and aids the surgeons own computerised records.

Referrals for extractions are due to complications, be they forseen (e.g root structures) or not (previous medical history / oral history). Wisdom teeth are the most common reasons one would be referred to a surgeon (but not solely).

VHI Plan B (+) covers the extraction of wisdom teeth with an oral surgeon, whether under local anaesthetic (XLA) or under general anaesthetic (XGA). Neither procedure is covered under the VHI DeCare Dental Plan.

Note to all readers: If you are being referred for extraction of wisdom teeth and do NOT have private medical insurance (VHI / QUINN / BUPA) please be careful when enquiring as to which policy to undertake. I have experience of patients enquiring with providers regarding specific procedures, taking out that policy and later having their cover questioned / withheld due to "pre-exisiting condition".

All dentists should be in a position to provide their patients with OPG's (Panoramic x-rays) and PA's. More modern practices now are able to do this digitally.

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we do also plek trum but you would be amazed how few have the opg facility. you raise a very valid point re pre-existing condition. Personally have had greater difficulty with bupa in this regard.

We do not charge patients for referrals and forward all x-rays required to relevant surgeons.

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used not to but now do as costs have escalated out of all proportion. Charge is to cover costs/hourly overhead.