We have all seen children with cleft lip/cleft palettes and it is heart breaking. Fortunately, there are international groups of specialist doctors that provide free service for those families who are way too poor to pay. Such free surgery is happening in countries around the world. Teams of Dr's from 1st world nations fly to poor countries , do the surgery AND train local Dr's to continue doing cleft lip/cleft palette surgery. (Operation Smile) Many of the children are teased and make fun of by other local children and the result is many of the afflicted children are afraid to venture outside. Even though the surgery is free, there is still the cost of the medicine, anethesia, etc that needs to be covered by those who want to help and have the financial resources. I think the cost of meds , equipment etc is about $240/child. It is fantastic how Dr's can transform such children in to beautiful children.
These surgeries can transform a child's life, safe and effective, timely surgeries are so necessary all over the world. Operation Smile sounds wonderful!
Indeed it is. Seeing a child who has devastating mouth deformities (before surgery) is heart breaking. Especially so when I saw how other children make fun of them and even throw stones. One of the things that touched me deeply was the emotional joy of the parents who see their child after surgery. The transformation from gross disfiguration to beautiful child is amazing.
I'm having issues with my current dentist's practice. I'm halfway through a major procedure & I'm considering changing dentists. I contacted a new dentist. I didn't need an exam or more x-rays; I only needed an opinion on whether it was possible (or wise) to have a different dentist complete a procedure - maybe a 5 or 10 minute chat. The receptionist wanted $300.00 & also asked for my credit card - something I would never do until I hire someone to do work. I let them know it makes them look greedy & I would never do business with any health-care professional who is only concerned with money. That's a hint for me. I have no problem paying a professional. The dentist who did my full reconstruction 25 years ago spent an hour with me explaining everything & didn't charge me anything. I spent over $45,000.00 with her.
Upfront? No, no Nanette. See me first and then I'll pay for the service and wouldn't dental or medical insurance cover a consult? I seem to remember when entering doctor or dentist offices a sign that states payment due at time of visit or something to that effect/affect (not sure which one is correct). But then again not specific whether to pay before or after and most would assume to pay after. Credit card, not over the phone.
Paying after buying is fine. Paying while shopping = scam. That would be like walking into a store & handing the cashier your credit card before you decide to buy anything. Or handing over your credit card & being charged at a car dealership before a test drive.