Business ProfileforValley Family Denistry

I've been a patient of Dr ******* ***** for over 40 years. This experience happened on my second visit with his son **** *****. I'm a senior citizen, with a limited budget, I want to be loyal to Dr ***** but always confirm my dental care is in network with my insurance and covered at 100%. --- 11/1-called VFD, receptionist confirmed my insurance accepted. 11/23-Provided receptionist insurance card on arrival, asked receptionist again to confirm. 11/23-I asked dental hygienist to confirm my x-ray coverage, she returned, x-rays were due and they would be covered at 100%. 11/23-Dr. ***** recommended optional, preventative care. I asked office manager, ******* for an estimate. Estimate provided: $109. 11/23-Leaving the office, I was given the impression that the staff had confirmed my insurance (via phone call or electronically) to get correct, up-to-date details on my policy and coverage, that I was in network, and that based on these, an accurate estimate had been provided. 12/15- Told I have balance of $83 from 11/23 (that was supposed to be covered 100%). Office manager said, "I'm very confused, it looks like they should pay, but also looks like they're not. Let me check and I'll call you." 12/15-******* called, "You're actually not in network. You owe us $518.20." I reminded her of the estimate of $109. She was not willing to honor 11/23 estimate. Told to call when received statement. 2/9-Received statement $518.00, called *******, she said, "we've figured out what we did wrong so it won't happen to anyone else." Not willing to honor original estimate. 2/9-2/24-Made numerous calls requesting a call back from Dr *****. No call received. --- I was out of network, my up-to-date insurance card was provided, and I requested an estimate multiple times, they had weeks to verify. I received a bill for over $400 more than the original estimate. Valley Family Density needs to accept their mistakes, do the right thing and honor their original estimate of $109.