Office Policies
Office
All appointments are scheduled in advance and we do not accept walk-ins. Appointment times are reserved specifically for your child. We strive hard to maintain an ‘on-time’ schedule so we kindly ask that you arrive for your child’s appointment a few minutes early.
Call our office at (210) 899-1099 to schedule an appointment for your child.
We work from a confirmed appointment statues only, and we will verify appointments starting two days in advance via, telephone, appointment reminder cards, E-mails and text messages. Please help us in this process by calling and confirming your child’s appointment time should you receive a reminder.
Appointment times are arranged for efficiency and consideration of the child and dental team. Blocked appointment times allow certain procedures to be completed with minimum interruptions and maximum efficiency. Dr. Farmer will provide exams, review x-rays, and make treatment plans during routine cleaning appointments that are scheduled with the hygienist. As always, Dr. Farmer will be happy to review findings and make recommendations with parents after each appointment.
We try hard to accommodate most requests, but we must schedule some procedures during mid-morning and mid-afternoon. In general, it is best to see young children early in the day when they are fresh. It is best to avoid times that would interfere with regular naps. Late afternoon appointment times are reserved for older children, and orthodontic patients. Remember that state law allows excused absences for dental appointments, and also requires adequate make up time for missed work. Please ask a team member if you have questions.
Occasionally it is necessary to see patients of record after regularly scheduled office hours. The office can be contacted through our dental emergency only phone number 210-842-9732 and your call will be returned. This number is available for existing patients only. We will not see patients for emergency visits after hours that are not already established in our office. Payment is expected at the time of the service. If you have a dental emergency and we have not seen your child, we recommend you visit the emergency room, contact your physician, or wait and schedule during regular office hours.
We encourage parents to accompany children for their dental exams. This gives the parent time to get to know Dr. Farmer and the dental team. For certain procedures, parents may be asked to stand outside the clear glass door to ensure the child gives the doctor his or her full attention. We are always happy to consult with parents before and after appointments to answer questions or concerns.
Payment
We file most insurance plans for our patients.
There are a multitude of dental insurance companies and each company has its own policy and coverage limitations. It is impossible for us to know the details of individual policies, thus, we do not and can not know each individual’s coverage limitations, pre-existing clauses, non-covered procedures, or payment schedule. You are responsible for investigating your specific policy limitations.
The patient (parent) is responsible for all fees, regardless of insurance coverage. Whoever brings the child for the appointment is expected to pay at the time of the service. We will file insurance for you as a courtesy on verified accounts only (provided you sign our pre-authorized payment agreement), and you will pay your co-pay at the time of service. Balances that remain after insurance has paid are your responsibility.
In cases where you choose to file your own insurance, we will provide you with a detailed insurance form (complete with appropriate dental codes) on your child’s office visit at the end of the appointment for you to take and file.
Call our office at (210) 899-1099 to schedule an appointment for your child. Be sure to bring the acquaintance records with you to your appointment.
We work from a confirmed appointment statues only, and we will verify appointments starting two days in advance via, telephone, appointment reminder cards, E-mails and text messages. Please help us in this process by calling and confirming your child’s appointment time should you receive a reminder.
The party who brings the child to his/her appointment is responsible for payment at the time of service. This includes any non-parent adult including family members, relatives, and friends. We will not be responsible for the charges associated with services provided to the child, regardless of custody issues. These issues are beyond the scope of our practice and should be handled outside our office between the parties involved.
Please note: A signed medical release from the parents is required for a third party to bring their child to appointment. Please ask us for the proper form, to be included in the child’s permanent dental record.