2 month long waiting time on HSMA HMO dental insurance (hygienist, dentists)

[gogowanda]

Hi all,

Tried to schedule dental checkup for my family (HSMA HMO) at the family dental center, and the kids appointment is almost 3 months out. Is that because we're new patients or it's common to wait 2 months for a dental checkup? If so I may switch to PPO then coz 2 or 3 month wait time is just too much. Would like to hear from others.

[whtviper1]

HSMA? Do you mean HMSA? HMSA is a PPO. I thought Kaiser is the only HMO in Hawaii but even they go the PPO route on dental. Regardless, I can see my dentist within a day or two if need be (Delta Dental).

[gogowanda]

ha yes HMSA...well my plan is HMO and everyone has to go to the Family Dental Center at Ala Moana.
I called the nurse today and was told the long wait is because they need to schedule a dentist and a hygienist at the same time...I thought it's absurd and asked her why I have to schedule both at the same time and she just told me that's what they do for new patients. I'm gonna see how it works out after the first apptmt.

Originally Posted by whtviper1

HSMA? Do you mean HMSA? HMSA is a PPO. I thought Kaiser is the only HMO in Hawaii but even they go the PPO route on dental. Regardless, I can see my dentist within a day or two if need be (Delta Dental).

[whtviper1]

I didn't know HMSA had a HMO dental. Apparently they do. Switch to PPO. Although you'll go from roughly $20/month to $40/month if your employer isn't picking up the tab.

[Mikala43]

Almost all new patients are scheduled 3 months or more out.

I have HMSA PPO and needed a new dentist after we moved....... I think it was 5 months out.

[whtviper1]

Originally Posted by Mikala43

Almost all new patients are scheduled 3 months or more out.

I have HMSA PPO and needed a new dentist after we moved....... I think it was 5 months out.

Oh come on - that wasn't even trying......

I've switched dentists here and never waited more than a week for an appointment

"We can accommodate almost every new patient on a same-day basis."

New Patients – Hawaii Dental Clinic

[Mikala43]

Are you saying that I am lying?

That was my experience. I guess the OP is lying too.

[whtviper1]

Originally Posted by Mikala43

Are you saying that I am lying?

That was my experience. I guess the OP is lying too.

Op is using a HMO -not PPO.

I didn't say you were lying. I said it isn't difficult to get an appointment right away - and I even provided a link that said they can usually accommodate new patients with same day appointments. I also said I've never waited more than a week to get an appointment and usually it is within a day or two.

[Mikala43]

I have no trouble getting a same day appointment with my dentist..... first time appointment was over 2 months with 2 different dentists.

Never a problem because I have regular cleanings, but I found it surprising. I've never had that happen in my previous experience.