West Orthodontics, Jerad L. West, DDS

Office Policies

Your First Visit

At the first visit to West Orthodontics, Dr. West will perform a complimentary examination to determine the best course of treatment. At this appointment, Dr. West will determine whether you need treatment and he will discuss several possible options. He will then give you a general idea of the type, length, and overall cost of treatment.

Diagnostic Records

At your second visit, diagnostic records are made to determine the best course of treatment. Complete diagnostic records typically include electronic study models of the teeth, photos of the patient's face and teeth, and X-rays. This information is used to develop a custom treatment plan for each patient. These records are also helpful in tracking the progress of treatment as the teeth move under orthodontic care.

Consultation

After Dr. West has evaluated your x-rays and models, he may occasionally plan a special consultation appointment to discuss your treatment with you again in detail and go over any issues and/or changes to the original treatment plan.

Regular Appointments

The appointment when you get your appliances (braces, expanders, etc.) usually takes from one to two hours. You'll then see us at regular intervals 4 to 8 weeks apart for an adjustment, which takes 20 to 40 minutes. Our regular office hours are Monday to Thursday from 8:00 AM to 5 PM. Patients are seen by appointment only. We make every effort to be on time for our patients and ask that you extend the same courtesy to us. If you cannot keep an appointment, please notify us immediately. Cancel only if it is an emergency. It is difficult to reschedule you since most appointments are made 4 to 8 weeks in advance.

Payment & Office Policies

Cost

The cost of treatment depends on the severity of the patient's condition. You will be able to discuss fees and payment options before treatment begins. We have payment plans to suit different budgets, including a no-down-payment option. We also accept assignment from most insurance plans and we will file the necessary papers to the insurance company. We work hard to make orthodontic treatment affordable.

Fees

In an effort to keep orthodontic fees down while maintaining the highest level of professional care, we have established this financial policy:

• If full payment is made at the onset of treatment, we will offer a fee discount of 5% of the total treatment cost.
• To fit your individual needs, financial arrangements can be made to extend your payments over a period of months.
• For your convenience, we accept payment by VISA and MASTERCARD.
• If more than one member of your family is or has been treated, a family discount is offered.
• In cases of serious delinquency, treatment will be discontinued, although we will make every effort to accommodate patients with temporary difficulties.

Insurance

If you have insurance, we will help you to determine the coverage you have available. We ask that you assign your insurance benefit to us. The balance will be arranged for you to pay (see above). Professional care is provided to you, our patient, and not to an insurance company. Thus, the insurance company is responsible to the patient and the patient is responsible to the doctor. We will help in every way we can in filing your claim and handling insurance questions from our office on your behalf.