As you pursue dental care, you’ll naturally want to make good use of your dental insurance. Doing so ensures your final treatment is both affordable and cost-effective, saving you money for other expenses. That said, you might struggle to tell in-network and out-of-network coverage apart. There’s no need to fret if that’s the case; your Garland dentist is here to help you. Just keep reading to learn how in-network and out-of-network insurance coverage differ, as well as which option to choose.
How In-Network & Out-of-Network Coverage Differ
“In-network” and “out-of-network” are categories that describe how a dentist relates to your dental plan. As for their specifics, consider them in detail below:
In-Network
An “in-network” dentist is contracted with your dental insurance company. In other words, they must provide you with care at pre-determined rates.
Compared to what you’d otherwise pay out-of-pocket, in-network dentists charge you less. They let your insurance plan cover most of a treatment’s cost, providing you with significant savings and a higher standard via credentialing. Most in-network dentists allow plans to cover 100% of preventive care, 80% of minor restorative care, and 50% of major restorative care.
Out-of-Network
Unlike “in-network” dentists, “out-of-network” ones lack contracts with your insurance provider. They don’t need to provide you with anything at pre-established rates or costs.
An “out-of-network” dentist will have you pay more upfront for your care. That’s to be expected, as your dental plan won’t be footing (at least) part of your final bill. Still, going out-of-network can give you more options when it comes to choosing a suitable dentist. Out-of-network practices are also willing to file claims and help you get the maximum reimbursement.
Which Option Should You Choose?
Between in-network or out-of-network dentists, the “best” pick depends on your needs. Neither kind is inherently superior to the other.
Your finances will be the key factor in which dentist you choose. For example, you should probably pick an in-network one if low-cost care is your highest priority. Seeing an out-of-network dentist is ideal when you have extra funds and want more flexibility in who you visit. After all, the latter gives you a wider range of dental providers to select from.
For more information on in-network and out-of-network coverage, consult your plan provider. They’ll share the relevant facts and help you maximize your benefits!
About the Practice
Dentistry by Brand is based in Garland, TX. Led by our four fantastic dentists, our practice aims to provide effective and trustworthy dental services. That means we always tailor your treatment to your smile, whether it needs preventive, cosmetic, or even restorative work. Our office also makes care affordable by accepting varied insurance plans, ranging from Aetna and Cigna to MetLife. For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (972)-495-9009.