Are there any exclusions and/or limitations with AmeriPlan Dental?

October 28, 2008

Most everyone who’s ever talked with an AmeriPlan Independent Business Owner (IBO) about the AmeriPlan dental discount program has heard them, without hesitation say, “Oh, no! There are no limits or exclusions everything is covered!” This urks me a little.  Firts of all, AmeriPlan doesn’t “cover” anything.  AmeriPlan is NOT insurance and doesn’t reimburse you or the dentist anything. Secondly, there are no limitations on your visits or your age but there definately are a few limitations and exclusion.  This is one of the main reasons you need to make sure you speak and work with an Ameriplan IBO that knows what they’re talking about.

Not all the time, but most, the IBO’s that have been around for a while have either been “scolded” by corporate at one time or another for using the wrong lingo, promising what we can do, or just flat out lying to people just to get their business or have figured out that telling people the “truth” so they know what they’re getting will keep them on the books for years to come versus months… or worse… days.

There I go ranting again. Back to the question ”Are there any exclusions and/or limitations with the AmeriPlan Dental program. In a word. Yes…

Not many though. Here they are:

• Services for injuries or conditions that are covered under Worker’s Compensation or Employers Liability Laws (No discounts available there)
• Cost of dental care covered under automobile, medical, no fault or similar type insurance. (again, can’t have your cake and eat it too)  NOTE:  Where did that saying originate anyway… someone google it and let me know.
• Services that cannot be performed because of the general health of the patient.
• Any hospital or medical charges of any kind, except for general anesthesia, performed in a dental office. (You’ll need the AmeriPlan Health program for that)
• Reimbursement for dental procedures performed by an out-of-network dental office.  (Make sure the specialist your dentist wants to refer you to accepts AmeriPlan Dental as well.  If he/she doesn’t, call AmeriPlan customer service.  If we can’t get them on… Find a different specialist.  They’re loss)
• Reduced fees will not be honored if dental treatment is already in progress or if the patient’s membership is no longer valid.
• Any member accepted for orthodontic treatment through the AmeriPlan Dental Plan must remain a member for the full duration of their treatment or risk additional charges from their AmeriPlan Dental Provider. (Don’t eat and run!  You must keep the plan to keep the discount)
• A patient’s existing dental or medical condition may neccessitate extra precautionary procedures and require additional charges.
• Any treatment not specifically included in the skill and learning of the AmeriPlan Dental Provider.
• Discount on dentist’s cost of implant fixtures.  (You can’t get them any cheaper than the Doc does.)

Can you remember those?  okay pop quiz.  Get this right and class is over for the day.

Ready?

Here it is… AmeriPlan Discount Programs are NOT_____________!  Right these discounts are not insurance.  They are an affordable plan that makes it affordable to see the dentist or physician.

For more information and updats on real people saving real money with AmeriPlan Dental visit www.TheDentalPlanMan.com

My AmeriPlan Dental Experience

October 21, 2008

What Do Dentists Really Think of AmeriPlan?

September 15, 2008

Well, I did it. ,  It was about time for me to go to the dentist.  Even though I sell AmeriPlan Dental I dread going to the dentist just as much, if not more than anyone else.  The bad news is I have two cavities and have to have my wisdom teeth removed.  The dentist assistant was surprised I still had all of my teeth.  I guess at 35 you should have lost some.  The good news is I saved $20 off an $80 visit. That’s 25% off!

I decided to go to a dentist around the corner from our house in our new neighborhood.  I made sure to not let the office staff know I was an AmeriPlan Independent Business Owner.  As I presented my card the receptionist said, “Oh, AmeriPlan.  We love AmeriPlan!  Did you know you have other benefits with it too.”

I thought I was in a commercial.  I do wish I had a hidden camera on me. 

She went on to tell me how I would save quite a bit of money over the course of the year looking at what I needed to have done. I went along with her. “Do you think I’ll save more than this plan cost me?”

“Absolutely!”, she said.  I didn’t have the heart to tell her I sell AmeriPlan Dental for a living.  I’m sure she’ll find out soon enough.

For free tips on saving the most with your AmeriPlan Dental Discount Program visit www.TheDentalPlanMan.com

How do I change dentists? (AmeriPlan Dental)

August 29, 2008

Here’s a thought.  You like the AmeriPlan dental plan. You like your AmeriPlan rep.  You DON’T like the AmeriPlan dentist he/she referred you to.  Maybe you just don’t ‘click’ with them.  How hard is it to change dentists with AmeriPlan dental?  Just type www.ProviderSearch.AmeriplanUSA.cominto your Internet browser’s address bar and choose another AmeriPlan dentist.  Another option is to call AmeriPlan dental Member Services at (469) 229-4501.

I will say, though, it’s best to establish yourself and your family members as a patient with an AmeriPlan Dental Network dentist as soon as possible.  That way if you have a dental emergency you’ll already be a patient and the dentist will already have your records.

Speaking of records, if you’re changing dentists, be sure to ask for your x-rays.  No dentist in their right mind (AmeriPlan dentists meet all the state board requirements for the state in which they practice) will do any work on you without taking x-rays.  So you can either bring the one’s you’ve already paid for or pay to have them done again with the new dentist.  Just FYI.

Got questions about AmeriPlan Dental Plus or AmeriPlan Health Programs?  Get Them answered at www.TheDentalPlanMan.com

How Do I Submit Referrals for AmeriPlan Network Providers and How Long Does It Take To Process?

June 26, 2008

I’m so glad that Julia Baker, AmeriPlan’s Senior Vice President of Provider Relations, answered this question in AmeriPlan Vision Vol. 08 Issue 4!  This is a very common question as many people wonder how, if their family physician or dentist is not listed in the AmeriPlan Network, they can refer said physician.

The easiest way I’ve come accross is to simply walk into your doctor’s office and ask if they will consider becoming an AmeriPlan provider if you continue to use their services. (because you’re going to end up saving a lot more money with the doc across the street who is a provider). Then get the contact information that Julia asks for below and submit it.  Pretty simple.

Take it away Julia:

Referrals may be submitted to referral@ameriplanusa.com with the patient name, dentist, physician or chiropracor name, and complete contact information for referred provider (complete address and telephone number).  If known, please include a contact name at the office of the referred provider.  If you do not have e-mail, you may call Customer Service and submit the information ( 1-800-647-8421)

Referrals are processed within 24-48 hours to the provider representative for the area.  The typical processing time is 30 days. . However, it is not unusual for the process to extend for 60-90 days or longer, depending on the time the office takes to review or go before a management board…

Note From Clarence: This process can be quicker if your doc knows the AmeriPlan rep will be calling… Sorry Julia, carry on.

 …You can check the provider website www.providersearch.ameriplanusa.com or www.ameriplanusaprovidersearch.com on a regular basis for the inclusion of new providers or  call Customer Service at 1-800-647-8421.

Response to referrer on results is not part of the process due to hundreds of referrals received each week - if you see the provider on the AmeriPlan Provider Locator page (look to the right of this page), then we were successful.  Patients can call potential providers and inquire if they are going to be an AmeriPlan provider.

Now that was beautifully answered.  I couldn’t have done better if my last name was Bloom.

-Clarence