NPR sheds light on the high cost of dental care--and the inability of many Americans to pay for it. Instead of forgoing dental services, the organization encourages individuals to compare prices and find the best deal possible. Design Dental Group asserts that open communication with healthcare professionals can lead to more flexible billing.

Houston, Texas, (PRBuzz.com) May 29, 2012 -- NPR.com recently ran a story on the high cost of dental care--and how shopping around both in and out of one's insurance network may result in a price break. Design Dental Group, a Houston, Texas, dental facility that provides a wide range of services to patients, is encouraging individuals to open the lines of communication with their dental healthcare providers.

According to the aforementioned article, Fair Health, a non-profit organization, has created a website that allows individuals to compare the costs of different healthcare providers. This website is the result of a legal battle between former New York Attorney General, Andrew Cuomo, and a group of insurers.

"An investigation revealed that an insurer-owned claims database used to determine out-of-network reimbursements presented a conflict of interest," states the article. "In addition to the consumer website, Fair Health provides independent-claims data that insurers can use to determine out-of-network rates."

Simply put, Fair Health has created a website where consumers can access more accurate estimates pertaining to the cost of healthcare. As a result, many individuals are turning to this resource to determine where they can get the best price for their dental care.

The professionals at Design Dental Group understand that dental care is not always affordable; however, they are encouraging patients to open the lines of communication with their dental professionals if they are experiencing financial hardship and need medical attention.

"Dental care can be expensive," commented Dr. Melanie T. Bibb of Design Dental Group, "especially for patients who only seek emergency care or go to the dentist once initially small conditions worsen. The best way to keep your dental care affordable is to keep regular dental visits with a routine hygiene schedule. If significant treatment is needed, we offer payment plans to lessen the financial burden. We also encourage our patients to check in with the front office frequently or follow us on social media for ongoing discounts."

Design Dental Group and other dental facilities offer assistance in the form of payment plans and discounts. Social media, as Dr. Bibb indicates, has become a wonderful resource for individuals looking for discounted yet reliable healthcare services. The professionals of Design Dental Group know that dentists and other healthcare professionals understand the financial strain some patients are in and oftentimes want to assist them if possible.

ABOUT:

Design Dental Group provides dental healthcare services to members of the Houston, Texas, community. This dental facility offers a variety of both reactive and preventative treatments to patients, including restorative and cosmetic procedures. Through high quality service and a dedication to superior healthcare offerings, Dr. Melanie T. Bibb and the rest of the Design Dental Group team assist patients of all ages with a diverse list of dental concerns.

To learn more about Design Dental Group, visit www.design-dentalgroup.com.

Michael McGarety
PR Authority
800-475-2390
media@prauthority.com