Dental Work - Perceived Differences and Barcelona Christmas Lights

This week I made an appointment to see a dentist.  In the U.S., we usually see a dentist every 6

He looks like I felt.....

months for a cleaning and a review.  I had my last check-up in May here in Barcelona.  However, it was unusual in the sense that this particular company offered the first x-rays, cleaning and dental review for free.  I believe they count on the general fact that most individuals here have enormous dental issues and that they will find problems that will have to be addressed through further dental work and thus they will recoup the money spent on the free first visit.  That was not the case with me.  I had no dental issues and it was a free ride with no obligations.

This time was different.  I went to a dental clinic that was on the American Consulate's list of medical doctors and establishments.  They do not endorse these doctors, but it seemed to be a good place to start.  I knew I would be paying for these services and that I had international dental insurance for federal employees and retirees.  What I didn't know was how all this was going to work and how much of a burden this could possibly be in terms of filings and paperwork.

The first difference that I found is the expectation of what they would do on the first visit.  In the U.S., a visit always includes a dental hygiene cleaning, unless it is a follow-up visit.  Here, they only look at your teeth, take x-rays, review with you their recommendations for treatment, and give you an estimate of the cost.  When I realized that they were not going to clean my teeth, I had to explain to them that in order to submit these services to my insurance company, they will expect that the cost will include a cleaning.  So, I told them that I needed to have my teeth cleaned as well.

Once they understood that, they added that to the work that they did last Wednesday.

The next difference that I discovered is that having a 6 month check-up and cleaning is not standard here.  After cleaning my teeth, the hygienist told me that I had very little tartar and that I wouldn't need another cleaning for 8 months to a year.  I'm still not sure what to make of that assessment.

The other reason I went to see them was because I was having pain under my upper right crown to the point that I was only chewing on my left side.  They confirmed that this was an issue and they gave me an estimate of the work that they would need to do to correct it.

Billing Process - Another Pain

I have both private health insurance and a separate dental plan with a different company, both offered through the federal government.  For the dental cleaning and x-rays, I first have to submit it to my health insurance, since they also cover some dental costs.  Once I get their Explanation of Benefits (EOB), I then submit that with a claim form to my dental insurance company.  I have a feeling this will be a two month process (groan).

For the proposed work on my crown, which includes removing the crown, cleaning under it, and then putting on a new one, my dental insurance company recommends, but is not required, to have them review the proposal and to get pre-approval.  This includes sending them the proposal with an English translation of it and include the x-rays.  I was able to email this information to them, but they recommended that I also send it to them by mail, since an electronic copy of the x-ray may not be sufficiently clear enough for them.

I'll see how all this works out.  It may actually be better for me to get a dental plan here in Spain and drop the plan I have in the U.S.  I'll investigate that early in the new year.

Lunch with Fellow Students and Cat Arrangements

I am enjoying the friendships that are being formed in my Spanish class among my international fellow students.  Last week we went out to have lunch together.  In the course of some conversations, I found out that one of my classmates, a Brazilian woman living in my neighborhood, loves cats and enjoys taking care of them when their owner is away.  I talked with her about the possibility of taking care of my cat when I am away on vacation or on travel.  She was delighted in the possibility.  I feel relieved and now have a few options in the future.  For my trip to the U.S. around the holidays this time, I am taking Sunset to a friend's house, who lives close to me.  It's not an ideal arrangement to move a cat to another home, but we'll see how Sunset handles this.  In the future, she will hopefully be able to stay here and someone will either stay at the house or come and visit daily.

Enjoying the Holiday Lights!

Although I am really looking forward to my visit to the U.S,, I also regret not being here to experience Christmas and the Holidays in Barcelona.  Yesterday some friends and I walked around the city center to take in the festive atmosphere and to enjoy the lights and crowds.  Below are some pictures from that walk around town.