Can a dentist charge patient after they have already accepted co pay and later finding that the insurance will not cover procedure?

In general, dentists are legally allowed to charge patients for services rendered, even if the patient's insurance company later denies or reduces coverage for the procedure. This is because the patient is ultimately responsible for paying for their own healthcare, regardless of their insurance coverage.

Here's a summary of how dental billing typically works:

When you visit your dentist, they will submit a claim to your insurance company for the services provided. The insurance company will then review the claim and determine what portion of the costs they will cover.

If the insurance company denies or reduces coverage, the dentist will typically send a bill to the patient for the remaining balance. The patient is responsible for paying this balance, even if they have already paid a co-pay or deductible at the time of service.

Some dental offices may have a policy of waiving or reducing patient balances in the event of an insurance denial. However, they are not obligated to do so. If you are concerned about your ability to pay for dental services, it's important to discuss this with your dentist before the work is performed.

Here are a few tips for avoiding unexpected dental bills:

- Check with your insurance company before getting dental work to see what procedures and treatments are covered.

- Get an estimate of the total cost of the treatment from your dentist before you agree to have the work done.

- Be aware of any deductibles, co-payments, or coinsurance that may apply to your coverage.