Oblivion
18-05-2009, 2:39 PM
Last year, following retirement, I changed my dentist to a more conveniently local practice who confirmed I would be taken on as an NHS, not a private, patient.
Last week I went for a checkup, and re-established that I was an NHS patient. The receptionist made a mistake when checking me off on the computer, so several patients who arrived long after me were seen. When I finally did sort out the fact that I had been waiting so long, I was seen by the dentist who logged a couple of fillings needing to be done but had no time left to do them. I was not asked for any money.
This morning I have been back to have the two fillings done. I don't normally have injections, but before I knew what was happening, he had the needle in my mouth and delivered four injections ... oh well.
He then carried out the two drillings and fillings and said, "that's it, see you in six months time". At the reception desk, I was asked to pay £45.60 and the receipt says "For Professional Services".
It wasn't until I got home that I thought 'hang on, my last dentist always required me to sign an NHS form in two places whenever I had work done, but this one hasn't required me to do that?'
Please, does anyone know if the system has changed so that the NHS form is no longer required, or have I been treated as a private patient ... and is the charge of £45.60 in line with typical NHS charges or not?
Dave.
Last week I went for a checkup, and re-established that I was an NHS patient. The receptionist made a mistake when checking me off on the computer, so several patients who arrived long after me were seen. When I finally did sort out the fact that I had been waiting so long, I was seen by the dentist who logged a couple of fillings needing to be done but had no time left to do them. I was not asked for any money.
This morning I have been back to have the two fillings done. I don't normally have injections, but before I knew what was happening, he had the needle in my mouth and delivered four injections ... oh well.
He then carried out the two drillings and fillings and said, "that's it, see you in six months time". At the reception desk, I was asked to pay £45.60 and the receipt says "For Professional Services".
It wasn't until I got home that I thought 'hang on, my last dentist always required me to sign an NHS form in two places whenever I had work done, but this one hasn't required me to do that?'
Please, does anyone know if the system has changed so that the NHS form is no longer required, or have I been treated as a private patient ... and is the charge of £45.60 in line with typical NHS charges or not?
Dave.