Making The Most Out of Dental Benefits Until 2014

Dec 16, 2013

Image 1We are just days from the end of 2013, and for many that means their 2013 dental benefits are about to expire. For dental practices, this means numerous no-shows, last minute cancellations, and various excuses to delay treatment. With proper communication, these final weeks of the year present the perfect opportunity for dental practices to ensure their schedule is full. Consider sending patients annual insurance benefit letters indicating what is left on their plans and letting them know if they don’t use it, they lose it!

Many insurance companies count on making millions of dollars off patients who never use their insurance benefits. Consumers do not realize many of these plans provide coverage up to a certain dollar amount annually.Insurance companies certainly aren’t going to alert customers, and most patients are too busy to research how much remains on their policies. It’s up to dental practices to get the word out to patients, and soon.

First, identify those patients with unused insurance benefits who are in need of treatment or preventive care. Next, draft an email or place a call to notify them of the unused benefits. If your software is capable, use it to print reports, such as patients that are due for hygiene visits and cross reference it with those with benefits left. Be certain office staff inform patients that call or come into the office, especially patients in need of treatment that have unused dental insurance benefits available to them. Be sure the patient understands they will lose those benefits if not used by the end of the year.

Categories: Healthcare & Dentistry