A check up service (cancer screen test) was rendered which I didn't agree to in Sept of 2008. They sent me a surprise bill ($67.96) shortly after that, which I responded with a letter stating the reason why I didn't owe the balance (also called & left a message regarding this). The bill with a final notice/collection threat continued (received 3 or 4 of them). I have told them several times in the past (to previous hygienist) that I wasn't interested in anything that my insurance doesn't cover unless it's so important that I can't refuse it (she understood it well, but unfortunately, she moved to a different state).

The dentist sent me a responding letter, which said the reason for the check up, was because there were many people that died from this particular cancer, and he "requires" all patients to do this screen test (I have his letter specifically stating the reason and did not deny my disapproval for the service).

Of course, I have a new dentist now, just because of this unfair practice. I have been with Dr. Carlson for over 8 years and time-to-time he would advertise all sorts of unnecessary procedures to me. He almost always does this while my mouth is under care (difficult to talk back when this happens). There are times when I have to say "no" several times; otherwise they get me to do things that my insurance doesn't cover. A new hygienist was working with me shortly before Dr. Carlson rendered the service, and it probably was a miscommunication between the new hygienist and I.

Dr. Carlson's assistant called me and offered me to only pay 1/2 of $67 but I told her that it still was not fair for me to pay for something I didn't approve. Now, he is threatening to send this bill to a collections agent and I would like some help on defending this.