Groesch and Longos Orthodontics - Office Policies and Procedures

Preliminary Examination
The initial appointment is a clinical examination to determine your orthodontic needs. We will advise you of any problem, the necessary corrective treatment and a fee range for orthodontic care.

Diagnostic Records
If treatment is indicated, records will be taken to enable the doctor to study the problems and determine the corrective procedures. We will take impressions for upper and lower study models, facial and intra-oral photographs, and a panoramic and cephalometric head x-ray. The fee for this procedure is $300 and does include the follow-up consultation. This fee will be applied toward the total treatment investment once active treatment has begun. As a courtesy to our referring dentists, there is no charge for diagnostic records or the initial exam. However, should you choose to take these records to another office for treatment the customary fee will apply.

Follow-up Consultation
One or both parents/guardian (in the case of a minor child), as well as the patient, are required to attend. We will discuss the specific problem as well as our plan of treatment. The fee for the entire treatment, it’s anticipated length, and financial arrangements will also be discussed.

Family Dentist
The patient must have his/her teeth cleaned and all cavities filled before orthodontic treatment can begin. We recommend that he/she continue to be seen, at least every six months, for cleaning and cavity check after the braces are placed. Your dentist may take additional x-rays for their own use.

Our Appointments
We attempt to vary our schedule on a daily basis to meet the needs of our patients and their families. However, many appointments, especially longer ones, will be necessary during working/school hours. After active treatment has started, patients are seen every 6-10 weeks. 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 6 to 10 weeks in advance.

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

If full payment is made at the onset of treatment by check or cash, we will offer a fee discount.
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, MASTERCARD and DISCOVER. We also can arrange automatic deductions from your financial institution.
In cases of serious delinquency, treatment will be discontinued, although we will make every effort to accommodate patients with temporary difficulties.

Insurance
In most cases we do accept assignment of benefits. We will fill out the necessary claim forms and return them to your insurance company. Fees are expected at the time they are incurred unless other arrangements have been previously made with our business office.