Patient Information

When you become a patient with Truro Perio, you can be assured of the very best in periodontal care.

How do I become a patient with Truro Perio?

Generally, we receive a referral from your family dentist requesting a consultation to see you in regards to a specific periodontal need you may have. Once the referral is received in our office, we will call you and set up a consultation.

What takes place at my first appointment/consultation?

When you arrive you will fill out new patient forms, which consist of a brief health history, contact information, insurance information and the reading and signing of the Privacy Act our office follows. Please arrive early to complete these forms.

You will then meet with the doctor for an examination and if necessary treatment is required, that treatment will be discussed with you during this appointment.

Does your office appointments run on time?

We are very good at keeping our appointments running on time so it is very important for you to be on time for your scheduled visit with us. Before arriving for your appointment, you may want to factor in time required for getting your vehicle parked and using restroom facilities before your appointment.

*Please note: To avoid a service charge fee, our office requires 48 hours notice to cancel or rebook an existing appointment. Any missed appointments do have a service charge fee as we have reserved that time in our schedule just for you.

What should I bring with me to my appointment(s)?

On your first visit with us, you should bring your NS Health Card and all of your dental insurance information as well as a means of payment for the appointment.

Does your office “direct bill” to my insurance company?

As a courtesy to our patients, we do direct bill to your insurance company. You are then responsible for the amount of the appointment that the insurance does not cover.

**All patient payment amounts are due at time of each appointment.

Insurance Information

Insurance Terms You Should Be Aware Of.

Annual Maximum – Most insurance companies have an annual maximum dollar amount of coverage for each patient listed under the insurance policy.

This is the amount of funds available, on a yearly basis, to pay for procedures up to the maximum allowable benefits your plan allows.

Deductible – The dollar amount the patient pays toward their treatment total before insurance coverage begins. This is usually a one time annual amount.

Eligibility – Eligibility determines who is covered under the insurance policy.

Eligible Amount - the “eligible” amount of a procedure/charge that your insurance allows for procedures. The actual cost of the procedure and the “eligible” amount of the procedure by your insurance company may not be the same thing.

**The percentage amount (50%, 80%, etc.) that is paid by your insurance company is based on the “eligible” amount, not necessarily the actual procedure cost of the dental office.

Exclusions – Many dental services and treatments are not covered by dental insurance. Their exclusions are usually described in the patient's insurance booklet.

Co-payment – This is the “Out of Pocket” part of the treatment fee that is not covered by dental insurance. The insurance company will pay a certain percentage of the treatment. The patient is responsible for the difference.

Dual Coverage – This is when someone is covered by their own insurance plan as well as someone else's plan. The insurance companies usually coordinate the benefits so that the patient does not receive more than 100% of the cost of the treatment.

Facts about Dental Benefits

• Insurance coverage should not be the deciding factor on your personal oral health; insurance is designed to supplement the costs of your prescribed, necessary treatment.
• Benefit coverage is a contract between yourself, the insurance company and your employer. NOT THE DENTIST.
• To protect your privacy, your dental plan is a contract between you and your employer or dental insurance company.
• Some insurance companies offer 100% coverage, but this may not be based on current fees charged by your dentist.
• With your permission, we can send your dental claim electronically for payment.
• As a courtesy, we are able to offer patients an estimate of treatment fees, which can be sent to your insurance company for confirmation of your coverage. This will enable you to plan your finances when commencing treatment.
• Insurance companies will sometimes send back estimates with a request for alternative treatment plans.
• If you have any questions regarding your coverage, we recommend that you call your insurance company for clarification.

Things Every Insured Patient Needs to Know

Vital Information

• Name of person in your company who is in charge of employee benefits
• Name of Insurance Carrier and phone number

Information patients will be asked when calling their insurance company

• Name of subscriber
• (Subscriber) Employee's date of birth
• SIN number
• Employer
• Policy number
• Certificate (ID) number
• Division number

Questions Patients Should Ask Their Insurance Company About Their Coverage

• What is the annual maximum allowed per patient?
• What is the anniversary (renewal) date of the policy? Example: January 1st
• Is there an annual deductible? If yes, how much?
• What year's Fee Guide are your benefits paid according to?
• How many recall exam appointments are allowed annually?
• What percentage of coverage is allowed for the following:
• Diagnostic Services and Treatment Planning
• Preventative Services
• Periodontal Services
• Implants
• Is Endodontic and/or Periodontal treatment classified as basic or major treatment?