Dr. Xhoana Gjelaj, DMD [Dentist]
*Runs A Rip-Off, Fraudulent, & Unethical Dental Practice!
1779 S Pinellas Ave, #100, Tarpon Springs, FL34689 (727)944-3288
***BBB*** Better Business Bureau] Reports a C- Rating: http://www.bbb.org/west-florida/business-reviews/cosmetic-dentists/xhoana-gjelaj-dmd-in-tarpon-springs-fl-90077469
http://www.ratemds.com/doctor-ratings/951398/Dr-Xhoana-Gjelaj-Tarpon-Springs-FL.html
✔ Take my advice: STAY AWAY FROM HER!
In September, 2009, I had a crown that came loose & I didn't have a general dentist. I checked with my insurance company, United Health Care, & found that Xhoana Gjelaj was a Participating Dental Provider in United Health Care Dental Plan, Solstice.
I called Xhoana Gjelaj's office, gave the office manager my Member ID # & asked him to double check and see that I am covered at her office and that I would get an exam, two free cleanings & one free set of x-rays per year at their office. I was also eligible, as a plan member, to get other services at a discount through my plan.
The next day I went to Xhoana Gjelaj's office to have my crown re-cemented. As usual, I needed to fill out the new patient" paperwork.
TWhen I filled out my paperwork I did NOT state that I had any jaor bite related complaints.
After the re-cementing my crown [without properly disinfecting the post in my mouth, which I realized later on] I was charged $34.00 & I paid $34.00.
Nonetheless, I made an appointment for a cleaning the next week. My insurance plan offers few nearby, participating dental providers.
On the day of my cleaning, I double-checked with the office manager, to make sure that my cleaning was going to be completely covered by my insurance... Again I was assured that it was.
After my United Health Care "free" cleaning by the Hygienist, Xhoana Gjelaj looked at my teeth. Conversation: Xhoana Gjelaj told me that I had an uneven bite. I told her that has been that way since a car accident that resulted in a broken jaw… That was 31 years ago! I told her that for 31 years I have not experienced any problems due to my uneven bite & did not want any corrective measures taken... I reminded HER that I WAS THERE FOR MY "FREE" CLEANING!!!
**See notes below on laws regarding written informed consent.
★At NO TIME did I ever express that I wanted an Extended Exam, Splint Therapy or any further/future dental work done on my teeth or bite & I was NEVERadvised of any ADDITIONAL CHARGES.:
Then Xhoana Gjelaj proceeded to poke around my mouth & began asking me to open & close my jaw. She then began making casts of my upper and lower teeth. At that point I asked over & over again, "Is this a covered service from my Dental Insurance Plan," I was repeatedly assured that it was.
When the visit was over I left her office with out being charged for anything, nor was I told that a bill would be sent to me.
A few weeks later I was mailed a bill for $185.00 for an UNAUTHORIZED EXTENDED EXAM THAT SHE SUPPOSEDLY PERFORMED & THE CASTS SHE MADE IN ORDER TO BEGIN WORK ON FIXING MY JAW.
After receiving the bill for $185.00, I called Xhoana Gjelaj's office to complain... Needless to say, I got nowhere!
Then I received a letter from her stating, "If you wish not to go through with the splint therapy treatment that the doctor prescribed to you, a refund will be considered upon further review of your case, and of course AFTER PAYMENT for rendered services has been made in full." <--A direct quote. Before this letter I had NEVER HEARD OF SPLINT THERAPY.
✔Read the following reviews from other patients that were ripped off in this same manner:
1. This patient was charged $344.00 for her cleaning: http://www.ratemds.com/doctor-ratings/951398/FL/Tarpon-Springs/Gjelaj
2. This patient was charged $215.00 for a basic cleaning. Scroll down on the following page: http://www.ripoffreport.com/dental-services/xhoana-gjelaj-d-m-d/xhoana-gjelaj-d-m-d-tarpon-s-5e24a.htm
3. As I find more Ripped-Off patients of Xhoana Gjelaj, I will be updating this website.
✔Please go to the aforementioned sites & share [anonymously or not] your Rip-Off story about Xhoana Gjelaj, in order to help have her prosecuted!
★Our Tweets can be found at: http://twitter.com/rip_off_dentist
★You can reach me at: RipOffDentist@aol.com
✔Please tell me of any REVIEW SITES that you can find.
Your anonymity will be honored. Let's get the word out about your experience in order to help expose her. I would also appreciate any suggestions you may have to help us get Xhoana Gjelaj her due justice.
Xhoana Gjelaj: It would be nice to hear from YOU, in writing, with an apology & a written copy of the retraction of the $185.00 fee you placed with the collection agency; as well doing the same for the rest of the patients you have Ripped-Off!!
Thus far: I have filed a complaint with my insurance company, United Health Care and they said that they will be investigating my complaint against Xhoana Gjelaj.
I have also filed a complaint regarding the fraudulent dental billing and dental practices of Dr. Xhoana Gjelaj,DMD with the Better Business Bureau. I will also be spreading the word of her *unethical practices to as many agencies & online Dental Reviews that I can find.
I am in the process of filing complaints with:
=The American Dental Association
=The Florida Board of Dentistry
=Florida Department of Health
MY QUEST HAS JUST BEGUN... I WILL PROVE Xhoana Gjelaj's fraudulent practices.
As I gather more info, I will be updating this website.
✔ You've been warned: Do Not Go There!!*All of the aforementioned is either my opinion of Xhoana Gjelaj and the true accounting of my experience or that of other online documented patients...
**Written informed consent is required and needs to be obtained prior to performing any & all additional dental procedures.
It is your legal and ethical right to understand any and all dental procedures and to either accept or refuse treatment.
It is a dentist's responsibility to inform and educate the patient with respect to any procedure being proposed in their mouth. This includes all pros and cons and all risks that can take place.
You need to understand exactly what the treatment or procedure is, its alternatives, risks, consequences and outcome. As well, what happens if you do not treat.
Dentists may be sued for "lack of informed consent."