Hi guys, longtime lurker but first time poster here. I would appreciate your thoughts and advice regarding this issue.
I'm in need of a root canal followed by (mostly likely) a dental crown. I have Aetna DMO, and per their schedule of benefits, the cost of a porcelain/ceramic crown should be $210, however the dentist I went to (in-network, chosen as my primary dentist as required by DMO plans) is quoting me around $1,200. They did have a $210 option listed, however they said that it's for a metal crown. Since my tooth is in the front, I need to get a color-matched porcelain crown.
I called Aetna a couple of times, however none of the reps were able to give me a straightforward answer. They did mention that the $210 is for metal, and I have to pay for the difference. However they had no answers when I brought up the fact that their schedule of benefits has porcelain listed as $210. One of the reps asked if it's a front tooth, and when I said yes, she said then it should be $210 for the porcelain since that's the standard for a front tooth. She offered to call the office then call me back, and of course, I didn't hear anything back.
My questions are:
1. I know insurance plans vary, but in your experience, how much was your crown with insurance? I feel like the $1200 I got quoted was not using my insurance benefits at all.
2. For anyone that had/has Aetna DMO, if I got the referral for a root canal from dentist A, can I go to dentist B (also in-network) for the crown afterwards? Or am I stuck with dentist A for the crown since the initially referral was from them?
3. I haven't been calling other dentist offices to ask about the cost because I'm pretty sure they are not going to quote me over the phone. Am I wrong? Should I call around?
Thanks so much!