ComplaintsforNikodem Dental

• Initial Complaint

  08/13/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I had to get all my 26 teeth pulled in June. My insurance covered $2000, so the billing manager at the ****************** said they would bill my temporary dentures to the insurance. I however was responsible for the cost of the oral surgery, 26 teeth at $450 per tooth, 4 bone grafts, $450, and 4 Alveoloplasties which i don't think they even did also at $450 per ( never ground anything down). Grand total to me was $16,200 which I paid in full before procedure. I got an explanation of benefits from my insurance on July 17 and found that Nikodem had charged them for 10 of the extractions, the bone graft and Alveoloplasty, plus upper and lower temporary dentures. Insurance paid the approved amount for the extraction and upper dentures but denied the rest since there was no more money. I asked Nikodem to be reimbursed for the insurance approved part and they refuse to pay.

  Customer response

  08/28/2024

  Here is my proof that I did prepay for ALL Oral Surgery procedures.  Pages 1 &2 are the bill from Nikodem (**************).Page 3 is my receipt for procedure costs.  pages 4 &5 are the information sent to me about what was claimed and approved. Nikodem also use ***************************************** name to file the claims and I have NEVER seen him.  Dr. ************************* was the Oral Surgeon who did the work and he refuses to take any insurance, thus IMO Nikodem committed Insurance fraud by billing insurance at all.....especially after I had already paid them for the oral surgery.

  

  Business response

  09/02/2024

  Pt. *************************** was seen on June 17, 2024 for a consultation with Dr. ************************** DDS, OMFR for tooth extractions and dentures. ******************* agreed to have the surgery to remove all of her remaining teeth, plus necessary bone grafting, and immediate denture. She was informed that ****************** is not in network with her dental insurance. On her treatment plan this is stated with corresponding fees of $16,200. This treatment plan also reflects the immediate dentures to be placed by ************************************** DMD, showing an insurance benefit by Liberty Dental insurance for $2000. ******************* did sign this treatment plan on June 17, 2024. 

  Nikodem Dental collected $16,200 from ******************* and billed the immediate dentures to Liberty. On July 25, 2024 we received the $2000 insurance check from Liberty and credited this amount to her account. 

  After the claim was processed, ******************* saw that ******* erroneously posted the $2000 credit towards extractions from ****************** instead of posting this credit towards the dentures from **********************. When I received the first complaint call from Liberty they acknowledged processing the claim under our tax ID # ********** and crediting ********************** extractions. Our response was to re-file a corrected claim on August 5, 2024 that reflects the proper billing under ********************** vs. ******************.

  At this time we are waiting for ***************** to correct the claim. They should also notify the patient and Nikodem Dental on this correction. At no point have we ever overcharged ******************* for any services. 

  Customer response

  09/03/2024

  How could Liberty dental insurance erroneously applied payment to extractions when the only thing that Nikodem was supposed to submit for insurance claim was the dentures?  The oral surgery was paid in full before the surgery was done.  

  Customer response

  09/03/2024

  I just received this from Anthem Advantage Liberty Dental.  ********************* says in his reply to you that the claim was corrected and resubmitted, however what was resubmitted was the same claims for the extractions I had already paid for.  None of the oral surgery charges should have even been sent   But since the were, 2 times now, and paid the approved amount Liberty Dental allowed, I should be given a refund for the extractions I paid for out of pocket 

• Initial Complaint

  08/12/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I paid up front for a permanent partial. I received a temporary one while my gums and face healed. Was supposed to come back in and receive my permanent one that was paid for in advance. I missed am appointment so therefore they refuse to see me anymore so I can receive the permanent I paid for. Couldn't make appointment due to Car troubles. Didn't know who to turn to for help. 2 years later I still have the temporary that's causing me pain. Also falling appart because it was only to be a temporary for a short time. Feel helpless. Place treated me like nothing but garbage.

  

  Business response

  08/29/2024

  The patient, *************************, was sent a letter and dismissed from the practice on 04/26/2021 for inappropriate behavior and language towards the staff and 7 missed appointments. As stated in the letter (Attached to the response), ****** had 30 days to complete any treatment. ****** was made aware of the situation in April 2021 by the Practice Operations Manager, Aubrie. ****** threatened legal action.
  
  
  Recently, in 2024, ****** called the office and was reminded of the dismissal letter. He was told we would not schedule or provide any dental care since he was dismissed from the practice by *************************. At that time ****** continued to use inappropriate language and was threatening the staff on the phone. When we did not comply with his threats he reached out to the BBB. If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to reach out to ***********************************

• Initial Complaint

  08/11/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I had a first visit on 8/3/23 to Nikodem Dental. I was given several x-rays and the main dentist ****** came in and said I needed deep teeth cleaning. When I called to make the appt, I told them I needed just a regular cleaning. They decided for me I needed a deep cleaning instead. I waited for several minutes for a dental hygienist to come clean my teeth but no one showed pup . When someone came in I asked when I would get my teeth cleaned. They said I would have to come back next week. I went to the front desk and told them that I would have to come back and I asked for the cost difference of a deep cleaning and a regular cleaning. She said it was $475 for deep cleaning and she wouldn't give me the price for a regular cleaning. I told her that all I wanted was a ppt for regular cleaning, that I was on a fixed income and couldn't afford a deep cleaning. I also asked if I had to pay another co payment when I came back on 8/10/23 she said no. On 8/10/23 when I went in for the appointment they said they were going to give me a deep cleaning anyway although I told them I didn't want it, and they did. I talked to the manger earlier today and was told if I didn't pay for it they would turn me into a collection agency. I've never had a deep cleaning before, and told them I didn't want one. They gave it to me anyway. When I went 8/3/23 I was expecting a regular cleaning. I feel like they took advantage of me because I'm elderly.

  

  Business response

  08/14/2023

  *** *****, I am **** the office manager and apologize that you feel this way. During your initial exam you were given a diagnosis and treatment plan with the cost and consent of your treatment that was signed and dated...and again before your appointment without any argument. I am very sorry for the misunderstand but our hygienists are obligated to give our patients the best care possible by treating all diagnosis correctly. We are willing to work with you on your balance by allowing you to set up a payment plan if you would like. Please reach out to our office to do so. Thank you.

• Initial Complaint

  01/28/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  December 1, 2022, I called Nikodem Dental and asked if they were in the network with Fed Blue. I was told yes they were accepting new clients and in the network. On December 2, 2022, they emailed me forms to complete. My first appointment was on 12/13/2022, I was told I had to pay in advance before my dentures could be made. I understood and I met my obligation, by paying $689.00 on 12/13/2022. The 2nd appointment was on 12/20/2022. I picked up the dentures on 12/28/2022. On January 4, 2023, I received a check in the amount of $ 397.60. Confused, I called requesting billing department and was told I would receive a callback shortly. I have left so many messages for the office manager, with no response. The last call was on the 23rd. I should have been told it would cost me $2,142.00 instead of $689.00. I am on a fixed income (social security) and should have been given the option to seek a truly in-network dental office.

  

  Business response

  06/20/2023

  In regards to ****** **********'s complaint, I was out of town for a couple of weeks during all of this patients appointments but when I returned I did call the patient back and explain to her that she has a balance on her account because her insurance sent her a check instead of our office. Her insurance has Out of Network coverage and they said they would pay for her dentures, we just did not know that they would be sending her the payment instead of our Hazelwood office. If there are any further questions please reach out. Thank you.

  Customer response

  06/23/2023

  One week prior to contacting Nikodem Dental I had an eye exam, when I picked out my glasses.
   I asked why so high, and was told not in the network.  I learned not to ask If my insurance was accepted.
  
  I asked if Nikodem Dental was in the network and accepting new patients, and was told yes. 
  Common courtesy would have been to say, “I’m sorry Ms. **********, I can’t answer that question, you have to contact your provider.”  I would have found a Dentist in Network.
  
  Instead, they had two weeks to process my information.  I was told that before my dentures can be made, I had to pay my portion of $689.00 upfront.
  
  On 02/15/2023 I paid Nikodem Dental the $397.60 I received from the insurance company.
  The last statement I received from Nikodem Dental on 05/30/2023 still shows $1453.00 due.
  No credit of $397.60 to the account.  I am sure I left 10 messages requesting a call, but none returned.
  (I can pull my cellphone records to prove it)
  
  I feel Nikodem Dental has neglected to do its job by answering questions correctly, processing payments, returning phone calls, and putting money over resolving issues with the customers. 

  Customer response

  06/23/2023

  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  One week prior to contacting Nikodem Dental I had an eye exam, when I picked out my glasses.
   I asked why so high, and was told not in the network.  I learned not to ask If my insurance was accepted.
  
  I asked if Nikodem Dental was in the network and accepting new patients, and was told yes. 
  Common courtesy would have been to say, “I’m sorry Ms. **********, I can’t answer that question, you have to contact your provider.”  I would have found a Dentist in Network.
  
  Instead, they had two weeks to process my information.  I was told that before my dentures can be made, I had to pay my portion of $689.00 upfront.
  
  On 02/15/2023 I paid Nikodem Dental the $397.60 I received from the insurance company.
  The last statement I received from Nikodem Dental on 05/30/2023 still shows $1453.00 due.
  No credit of $397.60 to the account.  I am sure I left 10 messages requesting a call, but none returned.
  (I can pull my cellphone records to prove it)
  
  I feel Nikodem Dental has neglected to do its job by answering questions correctly, processing payments, returning phone calls, and putting money over resolving issues with the customers. 
  
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ****** **********

  

  Business response

  06/23/2023

  I am sorry for the confusion. Your balance is not from being out of network, your insurance did pay they just mailed the check to you instead of us. That check was their portion to us. Once paid we can close out the claim and you will not have a large balance on your account. 

  Customer response

  06/26/2023

  Attched is the proof that I received $397.60 from my insurance company and paid $397.60 to Nikodem 02/15/2023.  Also the statement from 05/30/2023 showing the same amount due since 01/2023 of $1453.00.  Once Nikodem research and confirm payment received. If I have a zero balance, it would be helpful to see it in writting.

  Customer response

  07/01/2023

  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because: awaiting review and adjustment of balance
  
  
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ****** **********

• Initial Complaint

  12/30/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I had all of the upper teeth removed and most of the bottom removed except nine teeth. I have a root showing where the partial broke. My partial broke in the middle of October. I contacted the Dentist as soon as my partial broke. I went and got molded for permanent for upper and permanent partial for lower, and I was informed that I owed over 2000.00, My wife went through the receipts and found that we only owed 1200.00 we contacted management and the bill was adjusted to 1200.00 as being the balance. I need my lower partial fixed so I can fixed so I can eat. I can not afford to pay the whole 1200.00 all at once. they do not fix the partial at the facility anymore they send them out now, it is there fault that the bottom partial broke and I swallowed half of the partial. I will pay for the upper permanent, I feel I should not have to pay for the bottom partial.

  

  Business response

  01/17/2023

  I attached a signed document showing patient acknowledges and understands the price for his final lower partial. Also a chart note that negates his claim in this dispute, Patient was aware of the price for 6 months before he came in for his final.
  

  Customer response

  02/01/2023

  The issue is still not resolved.  I am now getting ready to file a complaint with the Missouri Dental Board.  I'm filling out the paperwork to send in to them.  

• Initial Complaint

  12/06/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Originally Went for dentures was told she could not get them. Was going to build up her mouth with a guard in which she did get a guard. The dentist has never looked in her mouth until the insurance would not pay and was getting a tooth cleaning months later She paid them $400 first time they asked and then insurance paid $300 and left her a credit of $300 which they won’t give back. They charged her $40 each for temp crown for 16 teeth and she only has 14 teeth which totaled $640 bucks in which she never received any of the temp crowns because the dentist canceled her appointments because the insurance wouldn’t pay. Also, they told her she had gingivitis and charged her a copay $40 for a tooth cleaning, and had her resign all the papers she already signed agreeing to the proposed procedures that never took place and took all the old papers away and didn’t give them back. She wants back the $640 for lab fees for temp crowns she never got she was not refunded. She wants her $40 copay she was charged and shouldn’t of been charged due to no copay for her insurance for tooth cleaning. Finally, she wants refunded the credit $300 because she has no future appointments.

  

  Business response

  12/07/2022

  Ms. *** presented to our office with concerns about her smile and wanted to find a dentist that was willing to help her. Dr. ***** Nikodem was willing to give her multiple options and treatment was presented. Due to the patients bite and clinical findings from the Dr this was a unique case. Dr. ***** walked her through all the steps and the patient agreed to move forward with treatment after reviewing cost. This required a wax set up for full temp crowns to help with patients unique bite. A prior authorization was sent to insurance and they denied the treatment. Due to us being in network, we still honor the allowed amount from insurance, so the patient does still receive a discount. Due to the case being unique there were more steps that had to be done which in return left greater lab fees. Since this was a full restoration case there were greater prices and more appointment times needed. I have attached clinical notes from ***'s appointments for documentation proof. In regards to her canceled appointment, the doctor was out with COVID. The patient had also missed an appointment prior to that due to a family emergency. The patient did come in for a hygiene visit and was diagnosed with gingivitis, this required, per the ADA guidelines, a different code to be charged out other than a prophy. The patient does have another appointment scheduled for May 2023 for hygiene, but has not scheduled her appointment to finish her restorative care. The patient does have a $300 credit on her account, that she can use to apply towards the rest of her treatment. The patient has not requested a refund from us in regards to her not wanting to use that prepayment for her remaining treatment.

   

  Please see attached docs for clinical notes, estimated treatment plan and prior auth from insurance

  Customer response

  12/07/2022

  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

   

  I went to this office for dentures after another dentist told me they couldn't help me. Nikodem told me had a collapsed bite and they couldn't accommodate me and told me I needed a full mouth of crowns instead, that is not why I went there. They tried to get me to charge $7000 on care credit but I refused. I received 4 different estimates from this office.  I did NOT agree to NOT getting refunded for the labs fees for temp crowns that I not received $640 and I want a refund for the $300 and I want back my $40 that I was charged for a deep cleaning that I didn't need, a check can be mailed to my residence on file. I cannot continue my treatment due to the insurance not paying so I want my money back. In addition, I do not have gingivitis and never had have it, I was told I this so they could change me more money $40.  I am not going back to this office for any more treatment or cleanings due to being mislead me about fees, changing prices, procedure and being charged for things I haven't received.  I feel like I was taken advantage of due to my age and hearing loss and I want my money back. 
  
  
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *** *****

  

  Business response

  12/08/2022

  Ms. *** presented to our office with concerns about her smile and wanted to find a dentist that was willing to help her. Dr. ***** Nikodem was willing to give her multiple options and treatment was presented. Due to the patients bite and clinical findings from the Dr this was a unique case. Dr. ***** walked her through all the steps and the patient agreed to move forward with treatment after reviewing cost. This required a wax set up for full temp crowns to help with patients unique bite. A prior authorization was sent to insurance and they denied the treatment. Due to us being in network, we still honor the allowed amount from insurance, so the patient does still receive a discount. Due to the case being unique there were more steps that had to be done which in return left greater lab fees. Since this was a full restoration case there were greater prices and more appointment times needed. I have attached clinical notes from ***'s appointments for documentation proof. In regards to her canceled appointment, the doctor was out with COVID. The patient had also missed an appointment prior to that due to a family emergency. The patient did come in for a hygiene visit and was diagnosed with gingivitis, this required, per the ADA guidelines, a different code to be charged out other than a prophy. The patient does have another appointment scheduled for May 2023 for hygiene, but has not scheduled her appointment to finish her restorative care. The patient does have a $300 credit on her account, that she can use to apply towards the rest of her treatment. The patient has not requested a refund from us in regards to her not wanting to use that prepayment for her remaining treatment.
  
  Please see attached docs for clinical notes, estimated treatment plan and prior auth from insurance. PATIENTS SIGNATURE TO ACCEPT TREATMENT AND THE COST IS ON FILE. 

  Customer response

  12/09/2022

  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  
  

  I have previously rejected this response.  This is the exact same thing they already said and Ive already responded too.  Please see my last rejection/response. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *** *****

• Initial Complaint

  11/09/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I purchased dentures from this company 2 years ago, the dentures never fit properly and have had issues from day one. I have a health issue that leaves me bedridden and unable to leave my house, this made it difficult to make follow up appointments. I was finally able to contact them to get it taken care of and was told they were still under warranty and the repairs and adjustments would be no charge to me. I got to their office and then was told that they were not under warranty and it would be $200.00. I do not have the money to continue to pay for dentures I can not wear. The quality of these dentures are horrible, which is why the dentures broke.

  

  Business response

  06/20/2023

  Hello. The patient, ****** came in for a repair after calling and asking for a price..she was told over the phone that the teeth on the denture were under a 5 warranty. When she arrived with a denture broke completely in half we did let her know that the base of the denture was only covered for 1 yr, we were unaware when she called what condition they were in. We told her there was a lab fee and that we would have to charge to repair the base. The patients mom then started threatening the front staff and screaming in the waiting room. They were both asked to leave due to her mom's behavior. ****** did call back asking for us to repair the denture and that she would have her Dad bring her, we said that would be fine and she came back for the repair, her Dad paid for them and the patient left happy. If there are any other questions on this matter please feel free to reach out. Thank you.

• Initial Complaint

  09/20/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I paid this office $3,600 cash for dentures and I have yet to receive them. The dentist wants to refer me to another dentist where I would have to pay more money. I already paid this office and they should provide me the dentures that I paid for.

  

  Business response

  10/04/2022

  We have actually given this man 3 sets of Dentures.  I have bent over backwards to help him and he just doesn't follow directions.   We believe we have done everything we can for him.  We referred him out.  We have actually paid the lab more than he has paid us, so we do not believe that we owe him a refund. 

  Customer response

  10/10/2022

  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because: I did not tell them to make me more teeth.  They did not provide me with satisfactory service and I have teeth that do no fit.  They continue to ground them down too much.  I want a refund.
  
  
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***** ********

• Initial Complaint

  08/24/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I had some Dental Work done with them, I paid the entire amount $1900 upfront at their request. After a while they finally sent in the claim to ***** ****** and ***** ****** paid them $764. I have made several attempts to get them to send my refund. Called a couple months ago and was told that it would take about a month to receive the refund. Well that month has long past and I called them again on August 22. I again requested my refund and was told they would contact their billing department and try to expedite. I told them to let me know when I would receive my refund, and told them to call me with the information. They said they would do that, and Well 2 days later and not a word from them. I told them the next step was to contact the BBB so here I am.

  ******* ****** ********** *** *** ****** ****** *** ************ ***** ***** ********

  

  Business response

  10/04/2022

  Patient has received refund. No further action is required. Any questions or concerns, please call our direct office number. ***** *********

• Initial Complaint

  08/11/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I went to Nikodem dentals. I was charged for x rays then told I could not receive a cleaning bc I had periodontal disease. It took time to get in with a new dentist but when I did I was told I had no periodontal disease. I knew that day that they were scamming people. I’ve been going there for years but that day I could see something wasn’t right. I have nice teeth! The new dentist confirmed it.

  

  Business response

  08/26/2022

  Please see the attached clinical notes, perio charting, and x-rays that support our findings of active periodontal disease.  

  Customer response

  08/29/2022

  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  I have since visited another dentist who has confirmed that these records are inaccurate and upon further inspection of Nikodem dental this is not their first infraction with false claims to clients. I have also connected with the previous office manager who had more to say regarding office decorum. 
  
  
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ********* ****

*Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business. ↩