From Dr. Rasika Jain:
When this patient (over 16 years-old) first came to our office for her exam I told her mother that her daughter had severely inflamed gums, heavy plaque and tartar and a severe underbite where the teeth were biting on the gums. We did a deep cleaning with topical anesthetic only without an injection because the patient was scratching and biting the hygienist when she tried to administer anesthesia. We did the best cleaning we could with topical anesthetic only.
When you came in for the emergency I told you that your daughter was in pain because her teeth were biting the gum tissue. I referred the patient to a pedodontist because the family had not allowed the patient to be numbed in the past. The pedodontist could use sedation if necessary. We went back and forth with the family's insurance several times to get the referral approved since the patient did not meet the insurance company's age criteria for a referral.
You took your daughter to the pedontist who said they were unable to treat your daughter as well, gave you a prescription for antibiotics as a temporary measure and gave you a referral to a gum specialist.
We didn't hear from you for 2 months after that and assumed all had been taken care of. You called 2 months later for the same problem. When I asked you what treatment the gum specialist did, you said you never took your daughter there since the antibiotics made her feel better. I told you staying on antibiotics for inflammation wasn't the answer. Antibiotics are meant for infection only. The tooth needed to be taken out and we were not able to anesthetize a 16-year old plus patient who continually lashed out at our team.
I offered to give you a referral to a pediatric dental surgeon but you refused. You specifically said you would call your insurance company directly and hung up the phone. I have treated several patients with challenges. As somebody who has close family members with challenges myself, I would never discriminate against anyone.
Me giving you a referral wasn't meant as an insult, I just wanted to help you get through the right channels for treatment. I am sorry you had a hard time with your insurance to get a referral the 2nd time.
more