I went to DR LEE AND YEE DENTAL OFFICE (at 157 N. Garfield, Alhambra, CA) for my regular deep cleaning.
I know how much my co-payment is for that procedure. The dental assistant / office clerk asked me to pay $420 for the procedure. I was confused and asked her why it is costing so much. She was not friendly , and she keep asking me for my credit card. But I got suspicious. I figured something is not right. She was rushing me to pay. But I told her that I needed to call my insurance before I pay.
She obviously didn't want me to call my insurance. She told me to reschedule. I noted the dental procedure codes from the paper, left the office and called my insurance company. I told the insurance agent the procedure codes. To my great surprise, the insurance agent told me that the copayment for my deep cleaning is $100 ( 4* 20 per quadrant, + $20). But she couldn't figure out the last procedure code. She offered to call the dental office , and called the dental office.
Guess what --- the remaining $320 is A CODE for behavioral management ... which is the fancy name for showing you how to use the toothbrush and floss. The funny thing: the charge was $80 / quadrant * 4 . Can you believe this??
I am now digging into my past payments to find any bogus charges, and I will be requesting refund for all these bogus charges.
NEVER EVER PAY WITHOUT CHECKING WITH YOUR INSURANCE AT THIS PLACE.