Dental insurance is a complex issue for many dental practices. Due to the number of plans, contract variations, predetermination procedures, and patient questions, dental insurance can use up a great deal of administrative time in a practice. As team members try to keep up with all the plans and changes, they find it challenging to provide proper information and customer service to patients.
Be helpful to patients. Many patients will never completely understand their coverage and will always rely on dental offices to explain it to them. Practices that assist patients over insurance hurdles will be viewed very favorably -- something that's essential for patient retention.
Don't avoid the issue of noncoverage with patients. Unfortunately, some of the services that patients may need or want will not be covered by their dental insurer. Explain that, first and foremost, your goal is to help patients achieve and maintain optimal dental care.
Roger P. Levin, DDS, is the chairman and CEO of practice management consulting firm Levin Group.
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