218 Denison Parkway E.  Corning, New York

607-937-5341

Dr. Timothy Bates

Dr. John Carozza

Dr. John Gunselman

Dr. Lynne Meriwether

Dr. Dennis Vargas

PATIENT INFORMATION

New Patient Form

 Q.     Do you accept insurance as payment?

A.   We ask patients to pay us in full directly at the time of service.  We will supply the patient with a completed insurance form.  All that the patient is required to do is address it to their Insurance Company.  The Insurance Company will then send the payment directly to the patient.

Q.     Do you accept Medicaid?

A.   No, we do not accept Medicaid.  Contact the Chemung County Health Department at (607)737-2878 for a list of Medicaid providers.

Q.     Does your office treat children?

A.   Yes, we treat patients of all ages.  We recommend patients be seen as soon as deciduous teeth start coming in.

Q.     Do you do extractions in your office?

A.    Our doctors do extractions.  Certain situations require them to refer you to an Oral Surgeon.

Q.     What type of payments do you accept?

A.  We accept cash, personal checks and major credit cards.  We also have financing available through CareCredit.

Q.     Do you use gas on patients?

A.   Yes, we offer Nitrous Oxide to make our patients comfortable, however, there is an additional charge.  Nitrous Oxide will relax you and make you comfortable but it does not put you to sleep.  It is not a substitute for local anesthesia.

Q.  Why do adults have to see a doctor for the first visit when they just want a dental cleaning?

A.  Our doctors prefer to see a new patient prior to a hygiene appointment to establish a relationship with the patient and to do a complete and thorough exam in order to complete a full treatment plan.  This will enable us to schedule you for the appropriate type of cleaning and necessary amount of time.

Q.     Why won’t you submit our insurance claim?

A.  In the past, we have submitted insurance for patients and patients question things like; when did we send the claim in, where did we send it to, did we receive payment, etc.  With the patient taking the responsibility of submitting the insurance claim, the patients know; when it was sent in, where it was sent and what the dollar amount the claim was for. 

Q.     Do we need pre-medication for an appointment?

A.   There are some situations that do require pre-medication.  The American Heart Association has recently changed their recommendations.  We recommend that you contact your Physician.

Q.     Do you have a payment plan or do we have to pay at each appointment?

A.  For patients that have been with our office for a number of years and have a good credit       rating, a short term payment plan is possible.

Q.     Do we have to see any doctor in the office or can we see our doctor?

A.   There are five doctors in our office.  We generally will have you see the same doctor so there is a good patient/doctor rapport.  You may decide to change to one of the other doctors in the office.  It is whoever you feel most comfortable with.  If you have an emergency and need to be seen immediately, you may be asked to see the first doctor with available time.

Q.  What age are children seen?

A.  We suggest children are seen by their first birthday or first tooth eruption.

Q.  When you have braces, do you still have to see hygiene?

A.  Yes, it is very important that you stay on a regular hygiene schedule.

Q.  When you’re pregnant, do you still have your teeth cleaned?

A.  Yes, we recommend that you stay on a regular hygiene schedule.

Q.  When you’re pregnant, can you have anesthetic?

A.  Generally anesthetic can still be given.  If you have concerns, you should contact your Obstetrician.  The Dentist will discuss with you appropriate care during your pregnancy.

Q.  When you’re pregnant, should you have Dental X-rays?

A.  Our office avoids x-rays while you are pregnant.  There are some situations that do need them.  Contact your Obstetrician with any concerns.  The office only takes x-rays when deemed necessary.

Q.  Is the patient or is the office responsible for keeping track of how often x-rays can be taken and still covered by insurance?

A.  The patient is responsible to know his/her insurance rules and regulations.