HEALTH CARE BUREAU

TO: ALL PATIENTS OF NY FASHION BRACES

WASHINGTON HEIGHTS & THE BRONX

As you already are aware, NY Fashion Braces, owned by Harold G. Edwards, DDS, closed its
business in August 2014 without giving notice to patients.
The information that follows has been prepared by the New York State Attorney Generals office
to assist patients with the following issues:
(1) access to medical records; (2) continuing care; (3) payments made for services that have not been
received; (4) financial assistance for dental services; and (5) complaints regarding quality of care.

1. Access to Medical Records

The executor of Dr. Edwards estate has represented that it will be contacting and then sending patients
a copy of their medical records in the next several weeks. Patients who require the record should call or
email: (347) 903-4110, or edwardsdentalpractice@gmail.com (email is preferred).

2. Continuing Care How To Find Another Dentist Or Orthodontist

Patients who need referrals to dentists or orthodontists can access the New York State Dental
Associations (NYSDA) online referral service at: www.nysdental.org. Patients can search by
specialty, such as orthodontics, and by zip code. Patients can also contact the NYSDA Department of
Health Affairs at 800-255-2100, extension 250, for assistance with finding an appropriate referral.

a) SELF-PAY OR UNINSURED PATIENTS

Montefiore Medical Center - Orthodontics Department (Montefiore)
Private patients with conventional braces may arrange for a consultation at no charge. Montefiore will
evaluate each case and, based on the estimated remaining treatment time, determine a treatment fee. If
a patient thenwishes to transfer his or her case to Montefiore, the office will take a full set of diagnostic
records (which includes intra and extra oral photographs, panoramic and cephalometricx-rays, and study
models), for a discounted fee of $175. Montefiore will utilize existing bracesand will charge $115 per
month. At the time of completion of the treatment, retainers will be made at a cost of $175 per retainer.
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Montefiore Medical Center

Centennial Building
3332 Rochambeau Ave., 2nd Floor
Bronx, NY 10467
Tel: (718) 920-2419Mon-Fri 9-5
http://www.montefioredental.com/maps-directions/centennial/
Monte Medical Park
1625 Poplar Avenue, 2ndFloor
Bronx, NY 10461
Tel: (718) 405-8401 Mon-Fri 9:30-5
http://www.montefioredental.com/maps-directions/monte-park/
Off-hours Call Center: (888) 700-6623
Columbia University College of Dental Medicine Post Graduate Resident Orthodontics Clinic
(Columbia)
Former patients of NY Fashion Braces may receive a free consultation at Columbia. While the initial
consultation is free of charge, there may be costs for follow-up visits and treatments if the patient
chooses to continue treatment at Columbia.
Patients interested in receiving a free consultation should contact Tomas Colon at the Orthodontics
clinic at (212) 304-5521 or at tc2503@cumc.columbia.edu, or visit the clinic on the web at http://dental.
columbia.edu/page/dental-school-clinics.
Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center- Dr. Martin L. King Health Center Department of Dentistry
Clinic (MLK Dentistry Clinic)
Patients without dental insurance may schedule an initial consultation appointment at MLK Dentistry
Clinic. During the initial visit, MLK Dentistry Clinic will complete transfer records and establish a
payment plan agreement.
The comprehensive treatment fee schedule ranges from $4500-$5000 predicated on the type of brackets
utilized (metal vs. clear). The interceptive treatment fee is dependent on the care required with an
average fee of $500 per arch.
New York University Orthodontic Department
Former patients of NY Fashion Braces can schedule an initial consultation and examination on
November 28, 2014 from 9:00 am to 4:00pm so NYU can determine where they stand in their treatment.
At the consultation visit, NYU will diagnose the patient, update the treatment plan, and design an
treatment strategy based on the specific needs and desires of the individual patient They will also
evaluate the patient for any tooth decay and gum disease. The services to the patients would therefore
include: (1) consultation; (2) records and updated treatment plan; (3) completion of treatment; (4)
removal of the appliances and retainer delivery; and (5) two retention visits.
Patients will be charged a fee of $500 - $1,000 for these services, depending on the need and extent of
remaining treatment. While this is a discounted fee, NYU will consider patients financial situation in
instances where patients are unable to pay.
Patients interested in scheduling a consultation on November 28 should contact Miriam Casado at the
NYU Orthodontic Department at 212-998-9516 or mc157@nyu.edu.
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b) 3RD PARTY, PRIVATE AND UNION DENTAL INSURANCE

Montefiore Medical Center - Orthodontics Department (Montefiore)
Montefiore isaccepting former NY Fashion Braces patients who were previously covered under private
dental insurance. Montefiore participates with Delta Dental of New York, Metlife, Healthplex and
several other dental plans. Regarding 3rd party insurance, Montefiore will submit claims on behalf of
patients. Any benefits that have already been paid are charged against the lifetime maximum and will not
be available.
Montefiore Medical Center
Centennial Building
3332 Rochambeau Ave., 2nd Floor
Bronx, NY 10467
Tel: (718) 920-2419 Mon-Fri 9-5
http://www.montefioredental.com/maps-directions/centennial/
Monte Medical Park
1625 Poplar Avenue, 2ndFloor
Bronx, NY 10461
Tel: (718) 405-8401 Mon-Fri 9:30-5
http://www.montefioredental.com/maps-directions/monte-park/
Off-hours Call Center: (888) 700-6623
Columbia University College of Dental Medicine Post Graduate Resident Orthodontics Clinic
(Columbia)
Former patients of NY Fashion Braces may receive a free consultation at Columbia. After consulting
with the dentist, the patient can then determine how best to proceed. Please note that while the initial
consultation is free of charge; there may be costs for follow-up visits and treatments if the patient
chooses to continue their treatment at Columbia. Such costs will be fully explained by the patient
coordinator.
Columbia welcomes patients with commercial, union, and other private dental insurance plans but does
not file and manage dental claims. Patients are therefore responsible to pay for treatment at the time
services are provided and obtain reimbursement from their dental insurance company. As a courtesy,
Columbia will provide patients with a standard dental claim form listing the treatments that were
provided and the payment received. Patients can then submit the dental claim form to the insurance
carrier and payment will be directly sent the patient.
Patients interested in receiving the free consultation at Columbia should contact Tomas Colon at the
Orthodontics Clinic at (212) 304-5521 or at tc2503@cumc.columbia.edu or visit the clinic on the web at
http://dental.columbia.edu/page/dental-school-clinics.
Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center- Dr. Martin L. King Health Center Department of Dentistry
Clinic (MLK Dentistry Clinic)
Patients with private dental insurance coverage should schedule an initial consultation appointment
at MLK Dentistry Clinic. During that visit, MLK Dentistry Clinic will complete transfer records and
subsequently submit them to the respective insurance company for approval of continuation of care at
MLK Dentistry Clinic.
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MLK Dentistry Clinic accepts the following private and union dental insurance plans: Guardian,
MetLife, Principal, EmblemHealth, Dental Network of America, Aultra Dental Network, The Dental
Care Plus Group, 1199, Empire BCBS, GHI, Liberty Dental, Scion, Delta Dental, Cigna, DenteMax,
Assurant, Aetna, and Careington.
To schedule an appointment, call 718-901-8400.
Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center- Dr. Martin L. King
Health Center Department of
Dentistry Clinic is located at:
1775 Grand Concourse 6th Floor
Bronx,New York 10453
New York University Orthodontic Department
Former patients of NY Fashion Braces can schedule an initial consultation and examination on
November 28, 2014 from 9:00 am to 4:00pm so NYU can determine where they stand in their treatment.
At the consultation visit, NYU will diagnose the patient, update the treatment plan, and design an
treatment strategy based on the specific needs and desires of the individual patient They will also
evaluate the patient for any tooth decay and gum disease. The services to the patients would therefore
include: (1) consultation; (2) records and updated treatment plan; (3) completion of treatment; (4)
removal of the appliances and retainer delivery; and (5) two retention visits.
NYU accepts the following private and union insurance plans: Healthplex, DentaQuest, and United
Healthcare. NYU will have to determine what payments remain so it can continue to bill the plan for the
continuation of treatment, as well as removal of appliances and retention.
Patients interested in scheduling a consultation on November 28 should contact Miriam Casado at the
NYU Orthodontic Department at 212-998-9516 or mc157@nyu.edu.

c) MEDICAID PATIENTS
The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH)
The NYSDOH is aware that NY Fashion Braces closed leaving a number of Medicaid patients in the
middle of treatment. The NYSDOH has established a protocol for your Medicaid provider to follow
to ensure payment for providers services. Patients will not be responsible for paying for any services
previously approved by Medicaid.
To help locate a Medicaid provider in your area, you can contact the Maximus helpline: (800) 541-2831
The following dental clinics have agreed to accept former NY Fashion Braces Medicaid patients to:
Montefiore Medical Center - Orthodontics Department (Montefiore)
Montefiore iswilling to accept former NY Fashion Braces Medicaid patients who want tocontinue
their treatment. There will be no costs to patients. However, Montefiore will be subject to treatment and
payment limitations of New York States Medicaid program.

Montefiore Medical Center

Centennial Building
3332 Rochambeau Ave., 2nd Floor
Bronx, NY 10467
Tel: (718) 920-2419 Mon-Fri 9-5
http://www.montefioredental.com/maps-directions/centennial/
Monte Medical Park
1625 Poplar Avenue, 2ndFloor
Bronx, NY 10461
Tel: (718) 405-8401 Mon-Fri 9:30-5
http://www.montefioredental.com/maps-directions/monte-park/
Off-hours Call Center: (888) 700-6623
Columbia University College of Dental Medicine Post Graduate Resident Orthodontics Clinic
(Columbia)
Columbia is a Medicaid provider. Former patients of NY Fashion Braces interested in receiving a
consultation should contact Tomas Colon at the Orthodontics Clinic at (212) 304-5521 or at tc2503@
cumc.columbia.edu, or visit the clinic on the web at http://dental.columbia.edu/page/dental-schoolclinics.

Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center- Dr. Martin L. King Health Center Department of Dentistry
Clinic (MLK Dentistry Clinic)

Patients with Medicaid Managed Care insurance or Medicaid Fee-for-Service coverage should schedule
an initial consultation appointment at MLK Dentistry Clinic. During that visit, MLK Dentistry Clinic
will complete transfer records and subsequently submit them to the respective insurance company for
approval of continuation of care at MLK Dentistry Clinic.
MLK Dentistry Clinic accepts both traditional fee-for-service Medicaid, as well as the following
Medicaid Managed Care Plans: Affinity, Healthfirst, Fidelis, Metroplus, Healthplus, Hudson health,
Americhoice, Wellcare, and United Healthcare.
To schedule an appointment, call 718-901-8400.
Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center- Dr. Martin L. King Health Center Department of
Dentistry Clinic is located at:
1775 Grand Concourse 6th Floor
Bronx,New York 10453

New York University Orthodontic Department

Former NY Fashion Braces Medicaid patients can schedule an initial consultation and examination on
November 28, 2014 from 9:00 am to 4:00pm so NYU can determine where they stand in their treatment.
At the consultation visit, NYU will diagnose the patient, update the treatment plan, and design an
treatment strategy based on the specific needs and desires of the individual patient They will also
evaluate the patient for any tooth decay and gum disease. The services to the patients would therefore
include: (1) consultation; (2) records and updated treatment plan; (3) completion of treatment; (4)
removal of the appliances and retainer delivery; and (5) two retention visits.
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Patients interested in scheduling a consultation on November 28 should contact Miriam Casado at the
NYU Orthodontic Department at 212-998-9516 or mc157@nyu.edu.

d) INVISALIGN PATIENTS
Align Technologies (the company that makes Invisalign)
In response to the unexpected closure of both locations of NY Fashion Braces, Align Technologies sent
an email to the Invisalign-trained doctors in the local area informing them that the practice closed and
that patients in treatment will need to find new treating doctors.
Align Technologies will waive its lab fee for any active (former NY Fashion Braces) patients who find
a new orthodontist to continue Invisalign treatment. The lab fee covers the cost of resetting the patients
treatment to the new doctors prescription usually called a refinement fee and the cost to replace
any aligners/trays that were not obtained from NY Fashion Braces. Patients will still be charged the fees
associated with providing Invisalign treatment by their new provider.
Doctors and patients can contact Invisalign Customer Care at1-888-822-5446, via email at
customersupport@aligntech.com,or online at https://my.invisalign.com/contact.
Patients can locate a doctor using the find a doctor feature on Align Technologies website, or at http://
www.invisalign.com/find-a-doctor. Align Technologies will work with your new doctor to transfer your
case, and will waive the lab fee to restart treatment with the new doctor. Patients should ask their new
doctor about the charges associated with continuing Invisalign treatment.
Neither Align Technologies or your new doctor are responsible for any amounts paid to NY Fashion
Braces (see Payments Made For Services That Have Not Been Received below).
For continuing treatment with Invisalign, patients may contact both Montefiore and Columbia at the
numbers / addresses set forth above.

3. Payments Made For Services That Have Not Been Received

The Executor of Dr. Edwards estate is preparing an accounting of available monies in the estate.
Patients who believe they are owed a refund should send an e-mail or a letter with proof of payments
made to date, other supporting documents, and an explanation of the basis for the refund to:
edwardsdentalpractice@gmail.com: be sure to put Refund Request in the subject line. Email is
preferred.
If by U.S. mail, send to:
Harold Edwards, DDS PC
c/o The Estate of Harold Edwards, Steven Dow, Executor
The Halperin Law Firm, PLLC.
27 East 21st Street
New York,NY 10010
If sending by U.S. mail, send a second copy of your documents to:
Kyle Mallary Halperin, Esq.
The Halperin Law Firm, PLLC.
27 East 21st Street
New York,NY 10010
Note that there is no guarantee that dollars will be available from the estate to satisfy patient refunds.
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4. Financial Assistance For Dental Services

The New York State Dental Foundation (NYSDF) offers charitable dental care funding through its
Donated Dental Services Program. However, this program is generally limited to special needs patients
who are either disabled, elderly, or medically compromised. A patient can contact NYSDF at: msusi@
nysdental.org or at 800-255-2100, extension 236, or can contact the national Donated Dental Services
Program at:
bfogg@dentallifeline.org or at 720-287-6188 for more information and to see if the program will accept
your request for dental care funding.

5. Complaints Regarding Quality of Care

The New York Dental Association (NYSDA) offers a Peer Review and Quality Assurance
Program to any patient treated by a NYSDA member dentist who feels that the treatment received
was not appropriate, or that the services provided did not meet the accepted standards for dental
care. Peer Review provides a confidential, impartial and timely way to resolve complaints about the
appropriateness and quality of dental treatment provided by NYSDA-member dentists. A dentists
participation in this alternative dispute resolution process is a membership requirement. Patients can
contact the NYSDA Department of Health Affairs at jdonnelly@nysdental.org or at 800-255-2100,
extension 250, for information.

For Additional Questions Contact:

The New York State Office of the Attorney Generals Health Care Hotline
at (800) 428-9071.
For consumers who have any information regarding Medicaid fraud, the Medicaid Fraud Control
Unit can be contacted at 800-771-7755.