Confusion and anger about my very expensive dentist and confusing dental insurance

My wife and I live on Long Island. Last year, our long-term family, dentist decided to retire, and move down to Florida. We asked around for recommendations for dentists and we were Directed to a luxurious dental practice in a wealthy community near us that seemed to have great reviews and a really upscale office( Although in hindsight its odd that they only have 5 star reviews). We have CIGNA dental insurance and this dentist was listed as IN NETWORK. We both made appointments and seemed to both have a pleasant experiences even though they seemed to be quite expensive when I went to pay the bill. At one of my checkup/follow up appointment I was told that I needed a root canal and I was recommended by the dentist to a colleague endodotist that was Out of Network. I told them that I couldn’t afford an Out of Network Root Canal especially When I am paying a lot of money each month to have dental insurance. I went to a different doctor than they recommended and I had the root canal done without issue. They told me that I needed to go back to my dentist for a crown. I made the appointment and asked what my Out of Pocket was and they told that my Out Of Pocket cost for one crown was $1500 plus $525 for core buildup…bringing the grand total OOP to $2025!!!! I called CIGNA and they told me that my dentist is technically IN NETWORK, but they are IN NETWORK WITH A CHOSEN LOW BENEFIT CAVEAT and that this is a personal business decision for that individual practice.

Has anyone heard of this?? The way that I am understanding this is that my “ luxe” dentist is choosing this option so that they can charge more. I am so confused and angry that every time I go to this dentist I leave with an exorbitant bill.

submitted by /u/AdPuzzleheaded4789
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