CASH:
The primary payment policy of the U of M Dental Clinics is the Cash Method.
Patients/Guarantors are expected to pay the full fee by cash or check as each service is provided. Down-payments are required for Gold/Prosthodontic and other treatment defined by the clinic.
Gold/Fixed Prosthodontics:
1/3 down before treatment,
1/3 halfway through treatment,
and the balance prior to completion.
Removable Prosthodontics
1/3 down before treatment,
1/3 at the teeth selection appointment,
and 1/3 at the time of denture insertion.
Exception: Outside lab work requires 1/2 down.
VISA/MASTERCARD:
This method can be used in place of the cash payment method. The VISA/MasterCard method can also be used to pay the full balance on insurance and installment plan accounts.
Insurance and Medical Assistance payment methods my be approved by Admissions/Patient Accounting.
INSURANCE:
All required information in Section 3 of the Admission Form must be completed and accurate. One-third of the total fee is required before treatment begins on Gold/Prosthodontic and other treatment defined by the clinic.
If insurance benefits are payable to the U of M Dental Clinics, the insured or responsible party is required to pay upon billing any amount that is not paid by the insurance company. The Cash or VISA/MasterCard Payment Methods apply if insurance benefits are payable to the insured.
It is the responsibility of the patient or insured to resolve disputes with the insurance company regarding its policies, coverage limitations, etc.
MEDICAL ASSISTANCE AND MINNESOTA CARE:
Patients must complete information in Section 4 of the Admission Form and present a current eligibility card at the beginning of each appointment during treatment.
Medical Assistance (MA) or Minnesota Care do not cover some procedures. Patients receiving services not payable under the MA or MN Care Programs are to pay for the services under the Cash or VISA/MasterCard method and must sign a waiver stating they are aware the services they seek are not covered by their plan.
Per State guidelines, patients are not to receive services requiring MA or MN Care Prior Authorization until the proper approval is received and processed by the Patient Accounting Office. Patients who wish to receive service(s) prior to MA or MN Care approval are expected to pay at the time of treatment. Patient choosing this option will be required to sign a waiver stating they understand the service(s) requires prior approval, and that they have chosen to receive these services on a cash or credit card payment basis.
Examples of services which require prior authorization include but are not limited to: certain root canal, periodontic, orthodontic, removable prosthodontic (dentures, partials, etc.) and oral surgery treatments except simple extractions.
Ask your student/dentist any questions you may have on what is, or is not, a covered service, or which services require prior authorization.
For questions or assistance, contact the Patient Accounting Office, (612) 624-6110.
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