Mentally ill, in need of 4 extractions and I'm in desperate need of help/advice?

If there are any dentists here that would be able to talk to me for a few minutes by phone it would be GREATLY appreciated. I am 21, live in northern NJ, suffer from several severe mental illnesses, and just this week went to see a dentist for the first time in over 5 years. I need to have teeth #'s 17, 18, 30, and 31 extracted. The dentist I saw said I would need to go to an oral surgeon for it. Which I completely agree with, because I need to be put under general (not just local) anestia for this. (Due to extreme fear) I can not find ANYWHERE that will take Medicaid and be able to see me in a decent time frame. The 2 clinics that there are in this area both have an approximent wait of 4 weeks. I am in pain and I don't know what to do... I am probably going to end up paying out of pocket on my credit card but was given an estimate of $2000 (including the general anestia) If anyone can suggest anything or give me any advice on what I can do I would be very greatful. Thanks


~Julie~

Mentally ill, in need of 4 extractions and I'm in desperate need of help/advice?
Damn our Medicaid System!! I too am on Medicaid. I live on Social Security disability only and have had to fight for everything I've gotten when it's come to getting things done for me medically. I also suffer from both physical and mental issues which need to be addressed appropriatly and in a timely manner. But, Woe is me and You we are stuck dealing with the deck we've been dealt. As far as getting in to see any kind of a specialist expect to wait several months and then drive several hours. If you are in pain then an emergency room is obligated to do whatever they can to at the very least alleviate your pain and at the most may have a connection to an oral surgeon on call who can be called in as an emergency. Do whatever you have to do to hang in there and get your pain relief needs taken care of until you can see the specialists. Don't feel timid about calling every day to see if there happens to be a cancellation. I once got in to my rheumatologist a whole month early because they had a cancellation and I just happened to call at the right time. As far as the procedure goes, don't worry yourself silly about it. Ask the doctor all the questions you need to ask so that you are well informed as to what exactly they are going to do and why. Then trust in God (if your believe in God), and if not then trust in the skill of the Dr,'s you're working with and follow their instructions to the letter and you should do just fine. I worked in Oral Surgery for 20 years as an assistant to the Dr. Oral Surgeons do these kinds of extractions all the time, it's their bread and butter. Have faith. Good Luck
Reply:Go to the emergency room at your nearest hospital, they will have it done there if you are in the pain you say you are in or they will find someone for you that will do it on medical card.
Reply:Medicaid really sucks so few doctors take it but what i would suggest is to call the welfare office they can put you in touch with a social worker who can help you find a doctor, or if you have a therapist ask them to help you, either of those people have the resources to help you find a doctor quickly. As a last resort if you are in extreme pain go to the hospital, they have to help you and if you are lucky enough to find an oral surgeon on call at the hospital they will see how much you need help and you can be fixed quicker. I know things don't always work the way they should but be persistent with the welfare office (or what ever office your medicaid is issued out of) and you will get the help you need. I hope this helps you.
Reply:isn't there a medical assistance program there at the welfare office, that could pay part of it??
Reply:MEDICAID IS SUPPOSED TO TELL YOU WHERE TO GO FOR EMERGENCY SERVICES.......CALL YOUR MEDICAID OFFICE AND TELL THEM ABOUT YOUR PROBLEM.......SO SORRY........
Reply:Unfortunately, there are so many people living at the poverty level, the backlog for Medicaid care is horrendous. Understand that Medicaid will reimburse the dentist about $35 for removing a tooth. It costs more to pay the staff than that. New Jersey has not had a major fee revision in over 20 years and the fees were horrible 20 years ago. Many would GIVE away the care, but to work for Medicaid fees usually means that the doctor is paying for part of your care out of his own pocket, as he still has to meet expenses. In my little office in a rural area, it costs about $185-200 per hour to open the office. That MUST be paid before I have a penny to put in my own pocket. I can't see a Medicaid patient and do four extractions, which would take about an hour, and lose $60 of my own money. I do not mean I'd make $60 less than usual. I mean it would cost me $60 out of my pocket to make up the difference so I could pay my staff and the electric company, etc., and I'd have nothing at all for my efforts and liability.





I know this is not good advice for you, but it's information to help you understand why almost nobody accepts Medicaid except clinics that are frequently government subsidized (directly or indirectly) to operate. Maybe you can join the ranks of people who are pushing legislators to overhaul NJ Medicaid.