NHS Dentist charging for an x-ray

pringb

Hi

I've just been for my regular check-up with my NHS dentist. The dentist mentioned my gums look swollen and gave me the option of having an x-ray with an additional private charge of 40 pounds. I also had a filling (band 2) costing 45.60.

I didn't question it but after I noticed that the band 2 charge includes x-rays.

Before I go back and query this has anybody else experienced this situation ? As there wasn't anything majorly wrong with the gum (ie I wasn't in pain) could the dentist argue that it was preventitive/cosmetic and could be charged as private??

Thanks

Bruce

McKneff

I'm with you, i would question it, xrays are included in the 45.60 band and shuld not be offered as an extra. The dentist presumably thought you needed them or would not have offered them. I would definitley question it. Calmly though

pringb

Ok will pop in tomorrow, should be interesting !! Cheers.

McKneff

let us know how you get on please

Toothsmith

Exactly right.

X-rays are included in Band 1 fees, so if you'd ONLY had a check-up, it would have been included in the £16.20 exam charge. The fact you had a filling pushed you into Band 2, and the £44.60 charge. An X-ray should cost you no extra.

With X-rays, there's not the 'cosmetic' argument. And X-rays are very tightly regulated over when you should and shouldn't take them.

So if the dentist thinks it's necessary, it should be available to you on the NHS. If he doesn't think it's necessary, then he shouldn't have suggested it in the first place.

The only POSSIBLE get out is if the x-ray machine isn't on his premesis, and he has to refer you somewhere else for it privately. Even so, if that other place is another surgery he owns, then again, I think it 'counts' as still NHS.

I would suggest your first step is to querie it with the practice. If they stick to their guns, then a word with the primary Care Trust would be in order. It might be worth having a word with the PCT anyway - I bet you won't be the only one there this has happened to.

pringb

I called the practice this morning, the OPG (Orthopantomogram) panoramic x-ray I had doesn't yet come under NHS charges. I imagine it's a more costly process. Surprised that it's not clear in NHS guidance on band charges. Then again I work for the local acute trust so I'm not that surprised !!

Do you think I need to pursue this ?

Thanks for all your replies.

noonesperfect

That sounds like something I had done many years ago - I had to go to the local hospital it have it done though. (about 25 years, so things will have changed I expect!!)

As far as I can remember it involved standing (rather than sitting) and biting onto something (presumaby an xray plate of some kind) whilst the machine moved round me in a sort of semi circle, IYKWIM.
It was prior to having quadruple wisdom tooth extraction and maxilliary cyst op.

Not frightening, doesn't hurt and done very quickly.

I would assume that it would still come under the nhs though.

pringb

Yes quite painless, bite onto something, it spins round, done in 10 seconds!

Well you would have would thought the NHS would have covered it or it would have been explicit in the charging guidance. Must be happening all the time...

tirednewdad

OPT's (orthopanthograms) are available on NHS but not every practice has the machine.
You should have been given an NHS option for one to be taken at a hospital if the Xrays were needed. If they weren't needed that urgently then you shouldn't have had them done.

Probably wouldn't persue this although you have got a good chance of getting your money back if you ring the dentist to say that OPT's are included in NHS band.
I know that alot of places due charge extra for OPT's, Although usually not as much as £40, it's normal £15 to cover costs.

Don't think this is one where you should go in all guns blazing, but you should have been made aware of an NHS option.

Toothsmith

pringb wrote: »

I called the practice this morning, the OPG (Orthopantomogram) panoramic x-ray I had doesn't yet come under NHS charges. I imagine it's a more costly process. Surprised that it's not clear in NHS guidance on band charges. Then again I work for the local acute trust so I'm not that surprised !!

Do you think I need to pursue this ?

Thanks for all your replies.

B0ll0ks!

OPTs have always been covered on the NHS, and quite a few practices have the machines as they used to be quite a moneyspinner on the old NHS contract.

If they have a machine on the premesis, then they would have claimed NHS fees for it in the past, and their contract value now would be based on fees earnt for doing them in the past.

If they are referring elsewhere, then it's possible a fee might apply, although as mentioned, if one was really necessary, he could refer you to your hospital for one.

If you don't want to complain to the practice directly, (which I feel you should do) then ring up the PCT and have a word with them.

Teerah

I would query the reasons behind having this type of xray carried out. What did the dentist tell you the reasons for the exposure were? I am assuming the dentist did a proper examination of y our gums rather than just taking this xray?!
I agree with toothsmith, I think its worth pursuing.