Dejibo,
Honestly, I think we are talking about two different things here. And I DO NOT agree with you about asking for a discount on dental or medical fees if you can afford to pay your way...... whether you're paying in cash or not.
Purchasing a car or something similar that already has an inflated price is again, a completely different issue than what I have been speaking about.
I also think your reference to the number (99%) of physicians willing to accept discounted fees is a bit exaggerated irrelevant of where you are.
My whole point with this is to be cautious about misleading people into thinking that their dentist will be overjoyed with their request to discount his fees. Without any hesitation, I can honestly say he most likely won't be. Dental offices that are equipped with the latest technology have huge overheads due to the cost and maintenance of their equipment. I'm talking about things that make a patients visit less traumatic, more pleasant if possible. Also using quality dental labs for the prosthetic work carries a higher price tag than using one of less quality. These offices could not survive if they discounted their fees for every patient that walks in their door. Oh sure, you want your dentist to have the best equipment and all the niceties to make you comfortable, but you want him to do all that for free. It's not going to happen, it's just not practical.
Again, we are talking about two different "cash" buying issues here. On a different note, thanks for the kind words about my efforts here, they are much appreciated.
Bryanna
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dejibo
I agree ! ANY cash customer whether in financial corners or liquid in cash SHOULD ask for a discount.
I would not pay sticker price for a car, and I dont buy generic food to save a buck. I get high quality food at a good price. Yes, it can be work to clip coupons and find out who is offering the better service at the better price. If monaco mufflers and mineke mufflers are both doing the same service on my car and monaco is $50 cheaper. you can bet I am going to monaco each and every time.
As I stated before, it never hurts to ask for a discount because you are a cash customer. 9 times out of 10 its granted. I do not know much about billing for dental clients, but I do know that 99% of the dentist in THIS area encourage cash shoppers. They all speak about how it saves them money to get cash, and prevents the tie up of staff, and resources to chase a parital refund from an insurance company. I didnt start the policy, but if I am showing up with cash in hand, you bet your bottom dollar I am taking them up on it.
I as you dont wish to have debate. It remains my statement that ALL customers carrying cash should ask for that discount, and I betcha, most will receive it. If your business doesnt wish to grant it that is up to you. I hear wonderful things about you, and you have provided a wonderful service here for so many who have shown up lost, confused, and feeling out of touch with their own dental team. For that you are owed a huge debt of gratitude. I for one would never be able to do what you do...discounted or not.
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