Letter to Delta Dental Patients

August 21, 2024

 

To our valued patients, 

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After much thought and deliberation, our practice is making an important change - beginning November 22, 2024, we will be opting out as a contracted provider in Delta Dental’s network. Over the last few years, it has become increasingly difficult to practice as in-network providers and continue to provide the high quality of care that we value and promise to our patients. 

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Delta Dental has not offered significant fee increases in 18 years and in some areas, they have even cut our fees. As you are aware, between inflation, surges in costs of materials, and rising costs of living, expenses have gone up significantly in this time. 

 

We are unwilling to compromise our standard of excellence by cutting corners to conform to the restrictions that dental insurance plans place on their in-network providers. We have reached a point where we cannot offer the same high quality dentistry we value under their contracts. So, rather than lower the high standards that we have maintained since we have opened, we have chosen to move out-of-network with Delta Dental. 

 

What this means for you:

• You can continue to be a patient in our practice and we hope you do!

• We will still accept and bill your insurance on your behalf.

• You will be responsible for payment for procedures at the time of service.

• We will submit your dental insurance claims on your behalf, and Delta Dental will reimburse you directly within 7-10 business days.

 

To fully understand your specific dental plan’s benefits and reimbursements, we encourage you to reach out to your human resources department for details. We are here to help you in whatever capacity we can, but Delta Dental does not share out-of-network plan benefits with us. 

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Please know this was a difficult decision for our practice to make, as we know this will directly affect many of you, some who have been with our practice for a long time. We had hoped to have this conversation with you in person, but we wanted to give you the courtesy of knowing prior to your appointment next year and during this time to give you ample time before insurance/HSA/FSA open enrollment. 

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We hope that the care you have received from us and the partnership that we have built as advocates for your oral health will encourage you to continue with our practice. However, if you choose to seek care from a new dentist, please let us know and we will help with the transition. 

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If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to Dr. Tran or myself. You can also refer to the Frequently Asked Questions section of our website at williamashbydds.com for more information. 

 

Sincerely, 

 

 

Dr. William Ashby, D.D.S.