I am writing to express my deep disappointment regarding my experience with Dr. Sams and his office. As a healthcare provider, I firmly believe in the ethical principles of Kansas medical practice, which uphold that patients have the ultimate right to choose their care, control their budget, and make decisions about their healthcare. Unfortunately, my experience with Dr. Sams' office has left me feeling that these fundamental rights were disregarded.
When I communicated to the office that I wanted to discuss my treatment directly with the doctor following my general dentist's referral, I was denied this opportunity. Instead, I was told by the staff that they alone handle these matters, effectively limiting my ability to make informed decisions about my care.
Furthermore, I explained that I had a budget I needed to follow and inquired about having my general dentist handle the temporary crown to reduce costs. I was told this was not possible and that Dr. Sams insists on handling the temporary crown himself. This rigid stance was troubling, especially since I later discovered that the temporary crown alone was quoted at $650 at Dr. Sams' office, while the general dentist he recommended charges only $950 for both the temporary and permanent crowns combined. This discrepancy in cost raises serious concerns about prioritizing patient care and affordability.
Additionally, I was quoted nearly $15,000 for crown lengthening of 10 teeth, whereas Dr. Anderson, another dentist in the same field, charges only $1,600 for a similar procedure. This massive discrepancy is outrageous and raises the question: What are you doing to healthcare? Why are your fees astronomically higher than others in the same profession? This type of price gouging and refusal to accommodate patients' financial constraints is deeply unethical.
To make matters worse, your clinic does not even accept insurance, nor do you offer any form of write-offs for patients. Instead, you convince patients to make full payment by cash or check at least four days prior to surgery by offering a mere 3% discount. This so-called "discount" is insulting and does not address the real financial burden placed on patients. Such practices feel like a deliberate attempt to exploit vulnerable individuals who are already in need of care.
I cannot help but feel that this approach to care resembles a mafia-like business model. As a healthcare professional, I have seen much in this world, but it is disheartening to witness a doctor who appears more focused on extracting every possible dollar from patients rather than caring for them. For three weeks, I have been forced to resort to supergluing my tooth every few hours, yet the office staff and Dr. Sams seem indifferent to my urgent needs and financial constraints.
This lack of compassion and flexibility is not only unethical but also goes against the principles of patient-centered care. Patients have the right to choose their care providers, the right to measure and manage their budgets, and ultimately, the right to have control over their healthcare decisions. read more
