Office Policies

Your First Visit

Your first appointment is for an examination and discussion of any evident problems. There is no discomfort involved, and Dr. Achberger will try to answer any general questions that you may have at this time. This only takes about 15 minutes. If you then wish to begin treatment, a diagnostic records appointment will be scheduled (this can usually be done immediately following the initial examination, or re-scheduled for a more convenient time).

Diagnostic records are made to determine the best course of treatment. Complete diagnostic records typically include a medical/dental history, clinical examination, plaster study models of the teeth, photos of the patient's face and teeth, and X-rays. This information is used to develop a custom treatment plan for each patient. These records are also helpful in tracking the progress of treatment as the teeth move under orthodontic care.

Patient Forms Help us be prepared for your first visit by completing the patient information form prior to your first visit. Download the file, print and fill it out, and bring it with you to your first vist. Adult Form [WORD] [PDF] Child Form [WORD] [PDF]

Consultation

After the doctor has evaluated your records, we discuss your treatment with you in detail, including the cost for your particular case.

Regular Appointments

The appointment when you get your appliances (braces, expanders, etc.) usually takes about one hour. You'll then see us at regular intervals 4 to 6 weeks apart for an adjustment, which takes 15 to 30 minutes. Our regular office hours are Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The office is closed on Thursdays. Patients are seen by appointment only. 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 4 to 6 weeks in advance.

Payment & Office Policies

Cost

The cost of treatment depends on the severity of the patient's problem. You will be able to discuss fees and payment options before treatment begins. We have payment plans to suit different budgets, including a no-down-payment option. We also accept assignment from most insurance plans and we will file the necessary papers to the insurance company. We work hard to make orthodontics affordable.

Fees

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

• If full payment is made at the onset of treatment, we will offer a fee discount. (If you have insurance, we will offer a discount for payment of your portion of the fee that will not be covered by insurance.)
• 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, DISCOVER, and AMERICAN EXPRESS.
• In cases of serious delinquency, treatment will be discontinued, although we will make every effort to accommodate patients with temporary difficulties.

Insurance

If you have insurance, we will help you to determine the coverage you have available. We ask that you assign your insurance benefit to us. The balance will be arranged for you to pay (see above). Professional care is provided to you, our patient, and not to an insurance company. Thus, the insurance company is responsible to the patient and the patient is responsible to the doctor. We will help in every way we can in filing your claim and handling insurance questions from our office on your behalf.