“Do you take our insurance?”

Out of Network Doesn't Mean Out of Reach — The Truth About Dental Insurance at Huntsville Dentistry & Implants

One of the most common things we hear when a new patient calls our office goes something like this: "Do you take my insurance?" And when we explain that we are an out of network practice, sometimes the conversation ends there. The patient assumes we can't see them — or that it will cost significantly more — and they hang up before we ever get to tell them the full story.

We want to change that. Because the truth about out of network dentistry is very different from what most people assume.

What "Out of Network" Actually Means

When a dental practice is "in network," it means they have signed a contract with a specific insurance company agreeing to charge reduced fees for services. In exchange, the insurance company sends patients their way. It sounds like a good deal on the surface — but those reduced fees often come at a cost to the quality of materials used, the time your dentist spends with you, and the treatment options available to you.

When a practice is "out of network," it simply means we have not signed those contracts. We have not agreed to let an insurance company dictate our fees, our materials, or our treatment recommendations. Every decision we make is based entirely on what is best for you — not what an insurance plan will approve.

That is why we choose to practice out of network. It gives Dr. Fritsch and Dr. McQuay the freedom to recommend the treatment you actually need, use the materials that actually last, and spend the time with you that your care actually deserves.

"Out of Network" Does Not Mean "We Can't See You"

This is the biggest misconception we encounter. If you have dental insurance — whether it is Delta Dental, Cigna, MetLife, Aetna, United Healthcare, or virtually any other plan — we can almost certainly still see you.

Here is how it works: most dental insurance plans have both in network and out of network benefits built in. When you see an out of network provider, your insurance still pays — just at a different reimbursement rate. In many cases the difference is smaller than people expect. And in some cases, depending on your specific plan, your out of network benefits are nearly identical to your in network benefits.

When you call our office, we are happy to help you understand your specific benefits before your appointment. We will look up your coverage, explain what your plan will likely cover, and make sure there are no surprises before you sit down in the chair.

"Out of Network" Does Not Mean More Expensive

This one surprises people the most. Here is the reality — going to an in network dentist does not automatically mean you pay less. Here is why:

Insurance companies set the rules, not the quality. An in network dentist who is limited by insurance reimbursement rates may use lower-grade materials, rush through appointments, or recommend treatments that are covered rather than treatments that are best. A crown placed with inferior materials that fails in three years costs you far more in the long run than one placed correctly the first time.

We work with you on cost. At Huntsville Dentistry & Implants we offer flexible financing and payment plans through leading financing companies. We work with patients every day to make treatment affordable — whether that is spreading payments out over time or helping you prioritize what needs to be addressed first.

We file your insurance for you. Even as an out of network practice, we submit claims to your insurance company on your behalf. You do not have to do the paperwork yourself or wait months for reimbursement — we handle that process for you so you receive whatever benefit your plan provides as seamlessly as possible.

You only pay the difference. In most cases when you see an out of network provider, your insurance pays their portion and you pay the remainder — just like you would with any other healthcare provider outside your network. For many patients this difference is a manageable amount, especially when weighed against the quality and level of care they receive.

What You Actually Get When You Come to Our Office

When you choose Huntsville Dentistry & Implants, you are choosing a practice that has been voted Best Dental Practice in Huntsville for over 10 consecutive years. You are choosing doctors who have the freedom to recommend what is genuinely best for your health — not what an insurance spreadsheet approves.

You get unhurried appointments where Dr. Fritsch and Dr. McQuay take time to actually listen to you. You get high quality materials that are chosen for durability and aesthetics rather than cost savings. You get same-day ceramic crowns, in-house implants, All-on-X procedures, sedation options — all without being referred somewhere else.

And you get a team that will work with you on cost, file your insurance for you, and make sure you understand exactly what you owe before any treatment begins.

We Would Love to See You

If you have been putting off coming in because you assumed your insurance would not work here — please give us a call. We will look up your benefits, answer your questions honestly, and let you decide if we are the right fit for you. No pressure, no obligation.

Because "out of network" should never mean "out of reach."

Call us at (936) 291-6589 or visit us at 3205 Robinson Creek Parkway, Huntsville, TX 77340.

Huntsville Dentistry & Implants proudly serves patients from Huntsville, Madisonville, New Waverly, Livingston, Willis, Conroe, and throughout Walker County, TX.