Do I have a legal option for a dentistry that gave me a bait and switch?
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Do I have a legal option for a dentistry that gave me a bait and switch?
I went to a dentist for a crown procedure. I agreed to pay my portion of $600 for the crown and my insurance was responsible for the rest. I went to the Dentist office on 2 occasions and they told me my portion was $600. A month later after the procedure they billed me for $321 because they
Asked on February 7, 2017 under Business Law, Georgia
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 7 years ago | Contributor
If your insurer turned down part of the bill, you are responsible for the amount they refused to pay (though may be able to take legal action, i.e. sue, if you believe they should have paid but improperly refused to do so--though suing an insurer for $321 is not likely worthwhile).
If the problem is not that the insurer declined part of the bill but that the dentist is trying to add a charge that they should not--e.g. charging you more than they agreed to charge; double charging, in that they are trying to charge you separately for something already paid as part of the procedure (e.g. something "integral")--legally, they are not entitled to that money and you could refuse to pay. But even if they do not have a good or valid case for the money, if they feel they are entitled to it, they may try to sue you for it, which would force you to respond, or turn it over to collections, and force you to deal with that. It may not be worth potentially getting involved in litigation over this amout; it may be best to pay.
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