Payment options

We accept Cash, Checks, Visa, MasterCard and Discover.

We do not offer patient financing.

Many patients end up getting the dentistry they need by establishing a dental budget.  Whatever that amount may be, rest assured it will be respected and it won’t be exceeded.  This is how the majority of our comprehensive care patients have treatment done.

Here are a few thoughts on our experiences with third-party financing. In the past Dr. Eric Meeker has tried third-party financing and found the denial rate to be around 95%.  The promotional period interest rate is usually between 8-12%.  It can then jump to over 20% if there is still a balance after the promotional period ends.

The most important factor in paying for treatment is establishing a dental budget that works for you.  We’ve helped many patients with this; we’ll do the same for you.

Dental Insurance

Are you confused about the changes in the dental insurance industry?  Did you ever try to read one of their manuals that “explain” dental  benefits--only to give up in frustration?  If so, you’re not alone.  Here are a few thoughts on dental insurance that may help clarify the matter.

First, there are four basic types of dental insurance:

1. Regular indemnity insurance—these insurance plans let you pick the dentist of your choice.  We accept these plans and can submit for reimbursement.
2. PPO insurance—these plans give a list of “network providers.”   You can go “out of network” and pick your own dentist, although your coverage will be slightly reduced.  We are not PPO providers, although we see many patients “out of network.”
3. HMO/DMO’s—Dr. Eric Meeker does not accept these insurance plans.  Dental offices that accept HMO’s are typified by long waits for appointments and overcrowded waiting rooms.  If you have an HMO plan, you are still welcome at our office, but we will not accept your insurance benefits.
4. Medicare/Medicaid—Dr. Eric Meeker does not accept Medicare or Medicaid.  Typically there are no dental benefits for adults from Medicare/Medicaid.

It also helps to understand the difference between medical and dental insurance.

Medical insurance is designed for catastrophic events such as heart attack, stroke, cancer, and traumatic emergencies.  These plans have high deductibles ($500-$1000) and high benefits.

Dental insurance is just the opposite.  It is characterized by low deductibles ($50-$100) and low benefits, usually $1000 per year or less.  This means that if you have catastrophic dental need, then dental insurance will pay very little towards your care.

What is needed for patients to overcome significant dental problems is:

1. A comprehensive exam and x-rays
2. A lifetime dental plan
3. A dental budget (weekly, monthly or yearly) for the treatment plan
4. Filing of insurance claims to maximize any benefits

We can help with this.  Over the years we have helped many patients overcome financial obstacles.  We will do the same for you.

Fees

Fees are a reflection of the quality of care, which is determined by the skill, abilities, and experience of the dentist.   Dr. Eric Meeker has taken hundreds of hours of Continuing Education in order to be able to provide the highest level of dental care.

Patients’ concerns over fees become less important when they see the value received in professional service and quality of care.  Our philosophy is that in the long run, quality dentistry will cost less, and make the patient happier.  Once you visit our office, we’re sure you’ll feel the same.