Efficient Payment Options to Suit Every Dental Need

At Refresh Dental Care Miranda, we offer a range of payment options to accommodate the financial needs of our patients. Here are the methods accepted:

• Child Dental Benefits Schedule:
  This government program provides eligible children with dental benefits, helping families manage the cost of essential dental services.
• Afterpay:
  Allows patients to receive treatment immediately while paying for it in four equal fortnightly instalments, interest-free.
• Zip:
  Similar to Afterpay, Zip offers an interest-free payment plan that lets patients pay over time, making it easier to manage larger dental expenses.
• DentiCare:
  A payment plan that provides patients with a way to pay for their dental treatment over time without interest.
• All Health Funds Accepted:
  We accept all major health fund plans, allowing patients to claim their health fund benefits for dental treatments.
• Early Super Release:
  Patients have the option to request early access to their superannuation for medical reasons in order to fund major dental procedures.
• SuperCare:
  An external service that assists individuals in applying for the Early Release of Superannuation (ERS) for major dental procedures.

These options make dental care more accessible and financially manageable for our patients. Our team is here to help you understand these options and assist in selecting the right one for your needs. This commitment to flexibility allows patients to receive necessary dental care regardless of financial constraints.

Our billing process for dental services is structured to provide clarity and ease for all patients. Here’s a detailed step-by-step breakdown:

1. Cost estimation and approval:
   Before any treatment begins, we provide a detailed estimate of the dental services planned and obtain your agreement to proceed.
2. Health fund verification (if applicable):
   For patients using health funds, we verify your details and the level of cover to estimate the claimable amount and the gap payment.
3. Service delivery:
   Once services are rendered, each treatment is itemised and recorded for accurate billing.
4. Billing:
   We generate an itemised invoice that includes all services provided. This invoice can be submitted to health funds or paid directly.
5. Payment options:
   Payments can be made using various methods, such as cash, payment plans (like Afterpay or Zip), or through financing options for more expensive treatments.

Our aim is to make the billing and payment process as transparent and manageable as possible. We support you in understanding your payment responsibilities and exploring all available options to settle your account. This support is part of our commitment to providing stress-free dental care, allowing you to focus on your treatment without financial worries.

No, upfront payment is not always required for dental treatments, as various factors can influence this necessity. Here are the key considerations:

• Type of payment method:
  Different payment options, such as Afterpay, Zip, or DentiCare, offer instalment plans that may not require upfront payments.
• Health fund arrangements:
  The cover and agreements with health funds may allow for direct billing, which can defer or eliminate upfront costs for patients.
• Treatment type and cost:
  More expensive or extensive treatments might have different payment requirements, including possible upfront payments or deposits.
• Patient’s financial situation:
  Individual financial assessments may lead to tailored payment agreements to accommodate the patient’s ability to pay upfront.
• External financing options:
  Utilising services like Early Super Release or SuperCare may impact the timing and necessity of upfront payments. This is because these options facilitate access to superannuation funds for medical purposes.

Understanding these factors can help patients navigate their payment options effectively. Our team is committed to providing support so that patients can access necessary treatments without undue stress over upfront costs.

Yes, you can use whatever dental health funds you have for payment at our clinic, but the applicability and amount covered depend on several important factors. Here are the key considerations when using health funds for dental payments:

• Eligibility and cover:
  Health funds usually cover treatments deemed medically necessary. Elective or cosmetic procedures usually do not qualify for claims, so it’s crucial to check what your specific policy allows.
• Level of cover:
  Different health fund plans offer varying levels of cover, which can affect how much of the treatment cost is covered. More comprehensive plans often provide greater cover.
• Annual limits:
  Health funds usually set caps on how much you can claim each year. Once this limit is reached, additional treatments might need to be paid out-of-pocket.
• Waiting periods:
  Especially for new policyholders, there might be a waiting period before you can claim for certain types of dental work. This can delay your ability to use funds for immediate treatment needs.
• Co-payment requirements:
  Many plans require a co-payment, which is a fixed amount or percentage of the treatment cost that you pay yourself, with the fund covering the remainder.

Understanding these variables can help you plan your dental treatments more effectively. Our team is here to answer any questions you may have about your health fund claims and assist you in maximising your benefits.

All health funds are accepted at Refresh Dental Care Miranda. You can verify whether your specific health fund is accepted by contacting our clinic directly. Our team is available to help with the verification process and can guide you through the details of your health fund cover. Additionally, they can assist in understanding the extent of cover provided for various dental treatments.

Uninsured dental patients at Refresh Dental Care Miranda have various payment options. This includes traditional methods like cash or credit cards and several alternative financing methods like:

• Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS):
  This program allows eligible children to access basic dental services. Medicare covers the cost, with no upfront payments required for eligible services up to the cap limit.
• Afterpay:
  This option allows patients to receive immediate treatment and spread the cost over four equal fortnightly payments without interest. This makes it easier to manage smaller expenses.
• Zip:
  Offers a credit facility to spread the cost of dental services over time. It provides flexibility for more significant expenses.
• DentiCare:
  Provides a tailored plan for dental treatments, enabling patients to pay in instalments over a period, interest-free. This arrangement suits those who prefer a structured payment schedule.
• Early Super Release:
  Allows patients to access their superannuation funds early for major dental treatments, supporting those with significant procedures planned.
• SuperCare:
  Helps facilitate the early release of superannuation for dental procedures for patients needing extensive treatments and preferring to use their super funds.

These different payment methods allow all patients to access the necessary dental care without financial stress. Our clinic is committed to helping you explore these options to find a suitable one for your situation.

To determine if your child is eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), you can follow these steps:

1. Check age and Medicare eligibility:
   Your child must be between the ages of zero and 17. You or your child must also receive a qualifying Australian government payment such as Family Tax Benefit Part A.
2. Verify with Medicare:
   Contact Medicare directly or visit their website to confirm your child’s eligibility for CDBS. You will need your Medicare card details for this step.
3. Review benefit limits:
   Understand that the CDBS provides up to $1,095 over two calendar years for basic dental services. Check if your child has remaining benefits if they’ve accessed the scheme before.
4. Consult your dentist:
   Discuss with your dentist the treatments covered under CDBS and any additional costs that might not be covered by the scheme.

These steps will give you all the necessary information regarding your child’s eligibility for CDBS. Our clinic is ready to assist you in navigating these requirements and making dental care accessible for your child.