Getting Started
Your First Visit
Your first visit usually includes essential diagnostic records, a clinical examination, and treatment planning; these are all FREE services.
Diagnostic Records
Our clinical team will assist you in completing your diagnostic records prior to Dr. Farina beginning your clinical examination. These records will include digital photographs of your face and teeth; a panoramic X-ray of your jaw; and the submission of a detailed medical/dental history. This will assist the doctor in the treatment-planning process and will later prove useful in tracking the progress of your treatment.
Clinical Examination
Dr. Farina will then perform a thorough clinical examination that involves aesthetics and functionality of your face and jaw. After the doctor has completed your examination, he will review your records and his findings to present you with the available treatment options. We will answer any questions that you may have with regard to alternatives, estimated cost, length of treatment, and payment options.
This diagnostic evaluation, examination, and consultation will be FREE of charge and will last approximately one hour and twenty minutes. These appointments are available Monday through Friday and can be scheduled by calling 813-972-2929 or 813-877-5511.
To complete the first step towards your initial appointment, begin by downloading the Patient History Form from this web site. Please bring the completed form with you for your office visit.
Appointment Scheduling
Progress Appointment
Appointments usually last 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your needs and will be in intervals of 4 to 12 weeks for observation and any necessary adjustments.
Office Hours and Scheduling
Our office hours are Monday thru Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Our practice values punctuality and we are committed to adhering to a regular schedule of follow-ups. We will provide you with excellent communication services that include telephone calls or e-mail reminders, text messaging, and 24-hour account and appointment access via the Internet.
Schedule Appropriate Time for Adjustments and Repairs
Unanticipated problems such as loose brackets, wires or broken appliances may occur. Contact our office as soon as possible to describe the problem to our scheduling coordinator, who will make an appropriate appointment for adjustment or repair.
Financial Arrangements/Payment Options and Insurance
Dentofacial Orthopedic and Orthodontic Care –
An Investment in Your Future
Few investments provide the excellent physical, psychological and economic benefits of a healthy smile. You will notice an improved self-esteem, an improved social milieu, date ability and increased employment possibilities.
Your initial visit will normally include a fee estimate and a discussion of payment options. We support direct assignment of benefits and will submit insurance claims to most providers on your behalf.
Insurance may reduce your out-of-pocket expenses and tax-advantage Medical Savings Accounts and may allow you to make payments with pre-tax earnings/dollars. Prepayment discounts and other convenient payment options are also available.
Payment Options
In our effort to minimize your fees while maintaining the highest possible level of professional care, we have set the following financial policies:
- We offer a discount for full payment of our fee(s) at the onset of treatment.
- If you have orthodontic insurance, we offer a discount of your portion of the fee at the onset of treatment (the insurance portion is not discounted).
- After a suitable down payment, your balance can be adjusted to a period of months at zero interest, though terms are subject to our approval.
- Zero-down financing is available through local financial institutions and through CareCredit® (click here to learn more about CareCredit® and to apply online).
- For your convenience, auto debit arrangements can be made via checking accounts, VISA, MasterCard, or Discover.
- Payments can be made online via our secure web site at any time.
Insurance
Our experienced staff will assist you with the filing of your insurance claims. For your convenience, we accept direct assignment of orthodontic insurance benefits; unpaid balances after insurance assignment can be arranged so that you pay us directly (see above). Unpaid and past-due [insurance] assignments are transferred from the insurance side of the ledger to the patient side of the ledger. The patient is then responsible for payment of unpaid insurance benefits.
If you are receiving services for temporomandibular (TMD) or myofascial (MPD) disorders or accident-related problems, you may be eligible for insurance benefits; final decisions of eligibility rest with your provider/carrier. The following general principle applies: Insurance companies/carriers set out plans that pay for specific services and procedures. They do not pay for diagnoses, pre-existing conditions, or medical issues that fall outside of the defined coverage plan; e.g. you have an orthodontic problem for which there is a solution but no defined insurance coverage.
Due to the tenuous nature of medical benefits, we ask that any medical beneficiary information be sent directly to you, the patient. You are provided with professional care, and you – not the insurance company – are the final guarantor of your account; you are responsible to the doctor and you are your insurance company's responsibility.
Delinquency
Every reasonable effort will be made to accommodate patients with temporary difficulties. In case of serious or constant delinquency, treatment will be discontinued.
