A patient posted a review claiming I was only after an "insurance pay day"

This account was submitted by a healthcare provider and de-identified before publication. Details that could identify a patient or practice have been removed, and it is shared with the provider’s consent.

What was posted

A patient posted a review claiming I was only after an "insurance pay day" — that I told her she needed fillings when another dentist had said she didn't. It paints me as money-hungry.

What actually happened

The patient was pregnant and refused x-rays even with medical clearance. She brought year-old paper copies of x-rays so I'd have something to examine, and those showed early interproximal lesions. I recommended that after delivery she get a full set of films to re-check those areas, since the paper copies were grainy — I never said she needed fillings. It's documented with the hygienist who was in the room, and there is no filling treatment or signed treatment plan in her chart. Her claim that she went straight to another dentist who found nothing doesn't add up within a few days.

Impact

It makes me look money-hungry, which I am far from. It's reputational, and it's the kind of accusation I can't publicly correct.

Steps taken

I can't respond publicly for fear of violating HIPAA. Reaching out to patients like this doesn't work — most are angry or just want attention.

Reported impact on this provider

Anxiety StressEmotional DistressReputation Damage

Three others reported Reputation Damage

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