NHS dentist root canal treatment

[Guest]

hi

 

nhs info says 'root canal work' is re band 2, yet some dentists put it in band 3?

 

nhs helpline seems inconclusive, seemingly siding with the dentists re band 3 if deemed 'complex'.

 

what band should it be in? anyone any experience re this? etc

[rebel11]

Hi Ford

 

Band 2.

 

http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/AboutNHSservices/dentists/Pages/nhs-dental-charges.aspx

[Guest]

hi

have seen that.

but, they seem to put it in band 3 re being 'complex' treatment. and nhs helpline seemed to agree (ie non committal).

was charged band 3

[rebel11]

http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/Documents/CounterFraud/Dental_Contractor_Loss_Analysis_Exercise.pdf

[Guest]

hi rebel

thats some good info, skim read so far. cheers.

no plan, no explanations, etc given...

is it re contract?

tried to add to yr rep, but i have to 'spread some' around first

[rebel11]

No probs. Write to the dental practice manager ask for a written explanation for the costs involved. Then assess once you get the letter. Dentists are in that group, banks, utility companys etc.

 

No probs about the reps. just write me an IOU.

[think about it]

It seems just skimming through that if the procedure is relatively straight forward then it's charged a in the lower band. However, if it's more complex then it's charged accordingly. Quite what defines complex may be a matter of time spent, number of individual steps, equipment used etc. I'm inclined to agree with what's written above, write to the pm and ask for a detailed explanation. Oh, and please update us on how you get on.

[rebel11]

Unfortunately Dental Practices are now like any other business. Most people just go in and let the dentist do his/her stuff, after all they are in the hands of a professional. You expect the dentist to look after your interests, but these days they look after their own interests. These days they want to ask 15 questions so they can sell you cosmetic procedures. If your an NHS patient, then the work carried out needs to be carried out according to the guidance, it just isn't.

[think about it]

Unfortunately Dental Practices are now like any other business. Most people just go in and let the dentist do his/her stuff, after all they are in the hands of a professional. You expect the dentist to look after your interests, but these days they look after their own interests. These days they want to ask 15 questions so they can sell you cosmetic procedures. If your an NHS patient, then the work carried out needs to be carried out according to the guidance, it just isn't.

 

Too true unfortunately, I've come across a few like this and tend to end up just using the OOH service as and when I need to, I'm there for treatment not to be made to look like Richard Hammond.

 

Having had a closer look at some of the info it seems that root canal is firmly placed in band two, kick up a bit of a stink and if needs be involve the local healthboard. I'd be inclined to print that lot out and land it on the PM's desk.

[Guest]

hi

thanks guys

sorry, meant dentist said it was charged at band 3 when asked how much for the RC treatment he said was needed.

check up has been paid so far @ band 1 fee.

will have a look at the info more over the wkend, prob pop in there next week.

[Guest]

this is still in issue.

but, a short update; they say would need/want to do a pin, which puts it into band 3 ie 'crowns including any pin or post aids to retention...'

am now going to seek 'official' nhs/PCT guidance.

[Guest]

ps

are the band 3 pins/posts re crowns only, or in general?

[Guest]

still in issue. not fully addressed yet.