lbb87
02-01-2004, 07:54 AM
About how much does it cost without insurance to get TMD treated with splints? I don't have insurance and I can't get a job when I feel so sleepy and dopey all the time.
I called a couple dentists about prices but they just confused the heck out of me.
Could someone tell me what specific steps dentists usually go through to diagnose and treat TMD and maybe how much it costs? I figure the best thing I can do is to educate myself so I don't get swindled or something.
I called a couple dentists about prices but they just confused the heck out of me.
Could someone tell me what specific steps dentists usually go through to diagnose and treat TMD and maybe how much it costs? I figure the best thing I can do is to educate myself so I don't get swindled or something.
Sponsor
SRH_NF_isback
02-01-2004, 06:19 PM
lbb87:
Treatment can be costly, and sometimes the best dentists out there are the ones who may charge the highest. Here is what I paid (and am still paying) for treatment:
1st appointment (basic TMJ exam): $75
2nd appointment (x-rays, other tests): $650
Splint: $1350 (paid off monthly)
Other miscellaneous: travelling to doctor, nearly $1000 in total
There is also a 'phase II', which is necessary for most people. I'm not sure how much that will cost.
Sheldon
Treatment can be costly, and sometimes the best dentists out there are the ones who may charge the highest. Here is what I paid (and am still paying) for treatment:
1st appointment (basic TMJ exam): $75
2nd appointment (x-rays, other tests): $650
Splint: $1350 (paid off monthly)
Other miscellaneous: travelling to doctor, nearly $1000 in total
There is also a 'phase II', which is necessary for most people. I'm not sure how much that will cost.
Sheldon
saaraah
02-01-2004, 06:35 PM
just to keep in mind, i live in canada, so my prices are probably different than yours.
treatments vary widely depending on the type of health professional you see. my first night splint [over 10 years ago] cost around $500 give or take. another splint, called the NTI, cost only $100. the splint i have now [along with diagnostic testing - over 7 xrays -, consult, and splint adjustments] cost about $2100. the splint itself was about $1400.
in canada, going to non-dental related health professionals is free, so ive had it lucky that i havent had to pay all of the neurologists, pathologists, etc that ive seen. i've had an mri of my TMJs and cat scan of my brain [to rule out a brain tumour], which i did not have to pay for. i have insurance for some alternative professionals such as massage therapists and osteopaths, too.
generally, tho, a consult is between $100-300, and splint therapy is under $2000.
to diagnose TMJD, there are a few things that most dentists do:
+ ask about your symptoms and get you to check off where your pain is on a representation of a human body
+ muscle palpatation inside your mouth and around your face to see what muscles are tender and hurt [usually the pterygoids are deadly in TMJD patients.. heh]
+ measure how wide you can open your mouth and from side to side
+ hear/feel if your discs pop and if it's an early or late click - early is better than late
+ xrays [tomograms] and/or an mri: show whether you have bony changes to your condyles or if your discs are displaced
+ a JVA [joint vibration analysis] may be done to see if your condyles are damaged - the more 'vibration' within the TMJs, the more damage
+ may also see if you have neck, back, scoliosis problems
+ rule out other diseases that mimic the symptoms of TMJD
that's about all i can think of right now. the thing to also keep in mind is that there is no such thing as a TMJD specialist - no training exists to get that type of degree. it's good to be wary of people who profess that they are specialists.
- saaraah.
treatments vary widely depending on the type of health professional you see. my first night splint [over 10 years ago] cost around $500 give or take. another splint, called the NTI, cost only $100. the splint i have now [along with diagnostic testing - over 7 xrays -, consult, and splint adjustments] cost about $2100. the splint itself was about $1400.
in canada, going to non-dental related health professionals is free, so ive had it lucky that i havent had to pay all of the neurologists, pathologists, etc that ive seen. i've had an mri of my TMJs and cat scan of my brain [to rule out a brain tumour], which i did not have to pay for. i have insurance for some alternative professionals such as massage therapists and osteopaths, too.
generally, tho, a consult is between $100-300, and splint therapy is under $2000.
to diagnose TMJD, there are a few things that most dentists do:
+ ask about your symptoms and get you to check off where your pain is on a representation of a human body
+ muscle palpatation inside your mouth and around your face to see what muscles are tender and hurt [usually the pterygoids are deadly in TMJD patients.. heh]
+ measure how wide you can open your mouth and from side to side
+ hear/feel if your discs pop and if it's an early or late click - early is better than late
+ xrays [tomograms] and/or an mri: show whether you have bony changes to your condyles or if your discs are displaced
+ a JVA [joint vibration analysis] may be done to see if your condyles are damaged - the more 'vibration' within the TMJs, the more damage
+ may also see if you have neck, back, scoliosis problems
+ rule out other diseases that mimic the symptoms of TMJD
that's about all i can think of right now. the thing to also keep in mind is that there is no such thing as a TMJD specialist - no training exists to get that type of degree. it's good to be wary of people who profess that they are specialists.
- saaraah.
Marlene
02-02-2004, 12:08 AM
My splint therapy and Phase II (braces) cost a total of $5,700.00 (Canadian). This was 6 - 8 yrs. ago now.
Marlene
Marlene
lbb87
02-02-2004, 05:46 AM
Medical/Dental care should be free to everyone.
I guess I had better find a job fast.
Does anyone know of any health/dental insurance companies that cover TMD? The last ones I had which were Anthem and Delta Dental, didn't cover it at all. I was told that a lot of insurance companies in the U.S. don't.
I guess I had better find a job fast.
Does anyone know of any health/dental insurance companies that cover TMD? The last ones I had which were Anthem and Delta Dental, didn't cover it at all. I was told that a lot of insurance companies in the U.S. don't.
Katie G
02-02-2004, 05:26 PM
About how much does it cost without insurance to get TMD treated with splints? I don't have insurance and I can't get a job when I feel so sleepy and dopey all the time.
I called a couple dentists about prices but they just confused the heck out of me.
Could someone tell me what specific steps dentists usually go through to diagnose and treat TMD and maybe how much it costs? I figure the best thing I can do is to educate myself so I don't get swindled or something.
:) Hi there - I just started Phase I treatment in late Sept. '03 and paid up front for the year long services I'll be going through. My orthodontist went through my case history, took different facial and mouth opening measurements, looked for asymmetry of the face, and listened with a stethoscope to my jaws for clicks, pops, etc. Then a week later, I had X-rays of the jaw done, and impressions made for a bite splint. I will be fitted with a different bite splint this Wednesday.
I had to put the entire payment on my credit card that I hope insurance will reimburse me for over time since my ortho does not accept insurance payments directly. With my physician's prior authorization for treatment, so far the insurance has slowly been reimbursing me. Total cost of treatment including all bite splints, follow-up visits, X-rays, etc. came to $5,500 and that was with a discount since I paid all at once. I had to max out my credit card to do it.
I don't have a clue right now what Phase II involves, but will probably have to take out a bank loan.
Keep us posted on your progress.
Katie G
I called a couple dentists about prices but they just confused the heck out of me.
Could someone tell me what specific steps dentists usually go through to diagnose and treat TMD and maybe how much it costs? I figure the best thing I can do is to educate myself so I don't get swindled or something.
:) Hi there - I just started Phase I treatment in late Sept. '03 and paid up front for the year long services I'll be going through. My orthodontist went through my case history, took different facial and mouth opening measurements, looked for asymmetry of the face, and listened with a stethoscope to my jaws for clicks, pops, etc. Then a week later, I had X-rays of the jaw done, and impressions made for a bite splint. I will be fitted with a different bite splint this Wednesday.
I had to put the entire payment on my credit card that I hope insurance will reimburse me for over time since my ortho does not accept insurance payments directly. With my physician's prior authorization for treatment, so far the insurance has slowly been reimbursing me. Total cost of treatment including all bite splints, follow-up visits, X-rays, etc. came to $5,500 and that was with a discount since I paid all at once. I had to max out my credit card to do it.
I don't have a clue right now what Phase II involves, but will probably have to take out a bank loan.
Keep us posted on your progress.
Katie G
beth99
02-02-2004, 10:11 PM
Humana covers TMJD, but when they bill under specific symptoms (migranes, etc) they cover a larger percentage. I used to have CompCare Blue (part of Blue Cross Blue Shield of WI) and I think I remember seeing that they covered it too, but most don't cover it totally that I know of unless you find an in-network specialist.
Katie I'm glad to hear of your costs because my treatment will vary from $4500-6500 including the splint and all adjustments. The X rays and other fancy tests (like 20 total) were an extra $1000+. Luckily Humana will cover most of it and if they follow through with what they stated, my out-of-pocket will be $1500 (that's in 2004, if it lasts longer then I'll have to start deductible all over again). I put $2000 down, so I'm waiting to hear Humana's response with my fingers crossed. I'm hoping to get to phase II this year to avoid any more out-of pocket expenses, but I'm only 2 weeks into therapy so we'll see how it goes.
I went to a different specialist first (in network) that was tremendously less expensive, but I didn't feel comfortable with the treatment plan so I moved on. Sheldon is right that sometimes good specialists cost more (I hope!!)
Good luck!!!
Beth
Katie I'm glad to hear of your costs because my treatment will vary from $4500-6500 including the splint and all adjustments. The X rays and other fancy tests (like 20 total) were an extra $1000+. Luckily Humana will cover most of it and if they follow through with what they stated, my out-of-pocket will be $1500 (that's in 2004, if it lasts longer then I'll have to start deductible all over again). I put $2000 down, so I'm waiting to hear Humana's response with my fingers crossed. I'm hoping to get to phase II this year to avoid any more out-of pocket expenses, but I'm only 2 weeks into therapy so we'll see how it goes.
I went to a different specialist first (in network) that was tremendously less expensive, but I didn't feel comfortable with the treatment plan so I moved on. Sheldon is right that sometimes good specialists cost more (I hope!!)
Good luck!!!
Beth
Carmaanne
02-03-2004, 09:31 AM
Hi Beth
In Wisconsin we may differ from the other states though. There is a law here that insurance has to cover at min. of 1500 / year on non surgical TMJ costs and all surgical / ralated costs. You are also right if they bill it different then dental ect you will get more paid.
Doctors charges vary too. One physician might charge for example, 5000 but the next guy might only charge 2500 depends kind of on where you live and his title from what I have found.
To the person that asked the question. If you don't have insurance, depending on your income you might be able to get help with payment and insurance from your state. Check with your local human services department and find out if you qualify.
Good luck
Carmaanne :angel:
Humana covers TMJD, but when they bill under specific symptoms (migranes, etc) they cover a larger percentage. I used to have CompCare Blue (part of Blue Cross Blue Shield of WI) and I think I remember seeing that they covered it too, but most don't cover it totally that I know of unless you find an in-network specialist.
Katie I'm glad to hear of your costs because my treatment will vary from $4500-6500 including the splint and all adjustments. The X rays and other fancy tests (like 20 total) were an extra $1000+. Luckily Humana will cover most of it and if they follow through with what they stated, my out-of-pocket will be $1500 (that's in 2004, if it lasts longer then I'll have to start deductible all over again). I put $2000 down, so I'm waiting to hear Humana's response with my fingers crossed. I'm hoping to get to phase II this year to avoid any more out-of pocket expenses, but I'm only 2 weeks into therapy so we'll see how it goes.
I went to a different specialist first (in network) that was tremendously less expensive, but I didn't feel comfortable with the treatment plan so I moved on. Sheldon is right that sometimes good specialists cost more (I hope!!)
Good luck!!!
Beth
In Wisconsin we may differ from the other states though. There is a law here that insurance has to cover at min. of 1500 / year on non surgical TMJ costs and all surgical / ralated costs. You are also right if they bill it different then dental ect you will get more paid.
Doctors charges vary too. One physician might charge for example, 5000 but the next guy might only charge 2500 depends kind of on where you live and his title from what I have found.
To the person that asked the question. If you don't have insurance, depending on your income you might be able to get help with payment and insurance from your state. Check with your local human services department and find out if you qualify.
Good luck
Carmaanne :angel:
Humana covers TMJD, but when they bill under specific symptoms (migranes, etc) they cover a larger percentage. I used to have CompCare Blue (part of Blue Cross Blue Shield of WI) and I think I remember seeing that they covered it too, but most don't cover it totally that I know of unless you find an in-network specialist.
Katie I'm glad to hear of your costs because my treatment will vary from $4500-6500 including the splint and all adjustments. The X rays and other fancy tests (like 20 total) were an extra $1000+. Luckily Humana will cover most of it and if they follow through with what they stated, my out-of-pocket will be $1500 (that's in 2004, if it lasts longer then I'll have to start deductible all over again). I put $2000 down, so I'm waiting to hear Humana's response with my fingers crossed. I'm hoping to get to phase II this year to avoid any more out-of pocket expenses, but I'm only 2 weeks into therapy so we'll see how it goes.
I went to a different specialist first (in network) that was tremendously less expensive, but I didn't feel comfortable with the treatment plan so I moved on. Sheldon is right that sometimes good specialists cost more (I hope!!)
Good luck!!!
Beth
Crossbow
02-03-2004, 03:23 PM
I didn't really have a "splint," I had a "soft occlusal guard." It was $150. The next dentist I saw said I'd been ripped off, and that he could have made one for $40. Now I just use Xanax, which my insurance covers.