State:: Florida

Occupation:: Retired

In April, 2013 I was scheduled for valve replacement surgery. About 6 weeks prior surgeon required dental evaluation which disclosed I had peri-implantitis. Surgeon found it a “medically necessary” pre-requisite to surgery which “could not occur until the peri-implantitis is taken care of”. My periodontist (not a Medicare provider) on an urgent basis, cleared the infection by removal of 3 implants and laser surgery of all my teeth and sub-structures. He declined an assignment of the Medicare claim and I paid him for his services which I deemed reasonable under these exigent circumstances. Medicare has refused to reimburse me. Is my claim valid?