Cigna dental plans come in a few flavors, and the plan type on your card decides how your visit with us works. Both of our offices are in-network with Cigna DPPO, which is the plan most Cigna members in our area carry. Here is what you need to know.
Which Cigna plans we are in-network with
Kokopelli Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Ahwatukee and Kokopelli Dentistry of Chandler are both in-network for Cigna DPPO plans. Our participation with Cigna comes through a shared network agreement rather than a direct Cigna contract, which is common in dentistry. For you, it works the same way: in-network fees and claims filed by us.
Cigna also sells plans that are not DPPO. Cigna Dental Care is a DHMO, where you are assigned to a specific office. We are not a DHMO office. Some Cigna plans carry names like Total or Advantage. Those are not part of our network. If your card says DPPO, you are in good shape. If it says anything else, call and we will tell you where you stand.
What in-network with Cigna changes for you
Under Cigna DPPO, we have agreed to a fee for each procedure. Cigna pays its percentage of that fee and you pay the rest, and we are not allowed to bill you above the agreed fee. That ceiling is what makes in-network care less expensive and more predictable than out-of-network care.
Most Cigna DPPO plans cover preventive care generously, basic care like fillings at a middle level, and major care like crowns at a lower level after a deductible. Plans differ by employer, so we verify yours before your visit and give you a written estimate before any treatment.
Your first visit as a Cigna patient
Call the office you want to visit and share your Cigna member ID. We verify your benefits ahead of time. If you also have Cigna medical coverage, keep in mind that the dental plan is separate, with its own ID and its own customer service line. The dental member ID is the one we need.
At the visit, Dr. Kaur or Dr. Thompson at Ahwatukee, or Dr. Kaur at Chandler, does a full exam, we take the X-rays we need, and you get a cleaning with our hygienist when your gums are healthy enough for one. If you need treatment, you leave with an estimate showing the Cigna fee, what Cigna is expected to pay, and your share. You decide what to do next. Nobody is rushed.
Getting the most out of Cigna DPPO
Check your annual maximum and deductible. They are on your benefits summary and in the myCigna app. Knowing them helps us plan.
Use your preventive visits. They can help catch problems early and reduce the need for more expensive treatment.
Ask for a predetermination on major work. Cigna will tell us in advance what they expect to pay for a crown, bridge, or implant, and you will know your number before we start.
Keep us posted on plan changes. If your employer switches from DPPO to a DHMO at open enrollment, that changes whether you can see us in-network, and we would rather you know before the switch than after.
Frequently asked questions
I have Cigna through my employer. Am I on a DPPO?
Most employer Cigna dental plans are DPPO, but not all. Your card and your benefits summary will say. If you cannot tell, call us with the member ID and we will check.
Does Cigna DPPO cover clear aligners?
Some Cigna plans include orthodontic benefits with a lifetime maximum. Many do not. We check your plan before you commit to Invisalign or ClearCorrect.
Can my kids be seen on my Cigna plan?
Yes. Children's preventive visits are usually well covered, and we see kids at both offices from their first tooth on. See our pediatric dentistry page.
What if I am on a Cigna plan you are not in-network with?
You can still come in as an out-of-network patient. Cigna may pay part of the claim, and we will give you an estimate first so there are no surprises.
Next step
Ahwatukee, call Kokopelli Family and Cosmetic Dentistry at (480) 283-0733. Chandler, call Kokopelli Dentistry of Chandler at (480) 895-3252. Tell us you have Cigna and we will verify your plan before you come in.
Disclaimer: This article is general information from Dr. Harveer Kaur and is not a substitute for a dental exam, diagnosis, or treatment. Every mouth is different. If you have a concern about your teeth or gums, call our Ahwatukee office at (480) 283-0733 or our Chandler office at (480) 895-3252 and we will help you sort it out.
Dr. Harveer Kaur, DDS, BDS
Dr. Kaur is the founder of Kokopelli Dentistry, serving patients in Ahwatukee and Chandler, Arizona. She focuses on family and cosmetic dentistry.
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