|
FAQ: Selecting
a dentist
Find answers
to the questions below.
How
do I find a Delta dentist or check to see if my
current dentist is a Delta dentist?
You may ask your dentist
if he or she participates in any of the Delta plans, or check our online
dentist directory to see if your dentist
is a Delta dentist. In addition
to finding a dentist, our dentist directory
service also provides a map to each office location.
Back
to top
I'm enrolled
in a Delta program, but I don't know which one.
How do I find out?
First, check
our online benefits and eligibility system.
Enter your ss# and last name and click on the
eligibility button. Once you are on the Eligibility
screen, click on the button labeled Benefits.
Your program type will be listed in the group
information section. Your company's benefits department
should also be able to provide you with the
program name.
Back
to top
What
is the difference between a DeltaPremier, DeltaPreferred
Option and DeltaCare dentist?
DeltaPremier is a traditional fee-for-service
program, DeltaPreferred Option (DPO) is a preferred
provider organization (PPO) program and DeltaCare
is a prepaid dental plan.
Note that all Delta dentists
are DeltaPremier dentists, but not all Delta
dentists participate in the DeltaPreferred Option
and DeltaCare networks.
Back
to top
What
are the advantages of visiting a Delta dentist?
- You do not pay the
entire bill and wait for reimbursement from
Delta.
Instead,
Delta pays its portion directly to your dentist.
We send you a notice explaining your portion
of the bill. You pay the dentist only that amount.
- Your costs may be
lower because Delta dentists agree to charge
you fees they have negotiated with us.
If you are responsible for a 20 percent copayment,
you pay 20 percent of your dentist's approved
fee. Also, Delta makes sure you are not charged
extra for services that should be included in
the cost of treatment. For example, when you
receive a crown, you cannot be charged additional
fees for tooth preparation, local anesthesia,
an impression or a temporary crown.
- The dentist handles
all claim forms and other paperwork for you.
Back
to top
My
dentist is not a Delta dentist. Can I still visit
him or her?
Most Delta programs allow
you to select any licensed dentist. We recommend
you select a Delta dentist because you may enjoy
lower out-of-pocket costs and the convenience
of having your claim forms handled free-of-charge
by the dental office.
Be aware that if you are
enrolled in the DeltaPreferred Option (DPO)
program, which is Delta's preferred provider
organization (PPO) program, you will probably
have lower costs if you select a Delta dentist
who participates in that program. Be sure to
select that option when you use the dentist
directory online.
If you are enrolled in
DeltaCare, which is our prepaid dental plan, you
must receive treatment from your primary
care dentist. Treatment provided by another
dentist, even if he or she participates with
the DeltaCare program, will usually not be covered,
unless the dentist is a specialist referred
by your assigned primary care dentist.
Back
to top
How
do I know Delta dentists provide quality treatment?
All dentists accepted
for Delta membership must meet professionally
recognized quality standards. They must provide
information on equipment, radiation safety,
cleanliness, patient treatment plans and other
elements of their dental practice.
If you are unhappy with
the care you receive from a Delta dentist, Delta
can arrange for you to be examined by one of
our consulting dentists in your area. If the
consultant feels the work must be corrected,
Delta will intervene with the original dentist
to either have the work redone at not additional
cost to you or obtain a refund. In the latter
case, you're free to choose another dentist
to have the treatment corrected.
Back
to top
How
do I change dentists?
With the exception of
the DeltaCare program, our other Delta programs
allow you to see any dentist you wish, and there
is no need to notify us when you change. You
and your family members are also free to see
different dentists if you prefer.
If you are enrolled in
a DeltaCare program and wish to change dentists,
please call (800) 422-4234.
Transfers are usually effective the first day
of the following month.
Back
to top
I know my dentist is a Delta dentist. Why doesn't
he show up on your online directory?
You most likely searched
for dentists in your city or zip code, without
specifying the name of your dentist in your
search. When you don't specify a name, the directory
locates up to 250 dentists (randomly selected)
who meet your search criteria. Try entering
your dentist's last name into your search.
Other reasons your dentist
may not be showing up in your search:
- Your dentist may be
a specialist. The default search is for a
general practitioner, but you can change this
by using the pull-down menu in the search.
- Your dentist may not
practice in the town or zip code that you
specified. Try using only the first three
digits of the zip code to broaden your search.
- Your dentist may be
a Delta dentist, but may not participate in
the DeltaPreferred Option or DeltaCare network.
If that's true, his or her name would not
appear in those searches, but will appear
in a search of DeltaPremier dentists.
- Your dentist may have
recently joined Delta, or may have recently left. Check
with your dentist to be sure.
Back
to top
How
can I recommend that my dentist participate in
a Delta program?
You can recommend your dentist
for DeltaPremier or DeltaPreferred Option membership
by completing an online form. When dentists
are recommended, Delta reviews each dentist's
background. Then, we send the dentist a packet
of information and an invitation to join the
network. Ultimately, it is each dentist's decision
whether or not to join.
Click on one of the links below
to recommend your dentist:
DeltaPreferred
Option
DeltaPremier
DeltaCare
Back
to top
|
