Words of Wisdom by Sheena Hinson RDH

Every patient is different. Overcoming a patient’s obstacles to treatment may take some finesse. The diagnosis and treatment plan are typically the easier task. In this series, we have asked the experts from our Protocol Directory, “How would they help the patient overcome their obstacle(s)?”

Patient: “Will my insurance cover this?”

This is one of the greater dilemmas in the dental industry. It’s a roadblock disguised as access to care for many patients. For years, they have been misled regarding the true value they get from dental insurance plans. It’s important we let patients know what they NEED, not just what they need that is covered by insurance. To be clear, before reading the verbiage below, please know that it should never be used to mislead a patient in any way. When going over financial arrangements and treatment options, patients should be fully informed.

My Response: “I’m so glad you asked. I’ve put a plan together for you that includes everything I think you need to be successful in treating your gum disease. I like to include all my recommendations up front so that you don’t have any surprises later. I included the gum therapy that we discussed, your saliva testing, and the homecare items we talked about.

Getting your gum disease into remission will be a commitment of both your time and your finances. We will make sure that we do everything possible to maximize your insurance coverage. As far as what they don’t cover, we have some great options to help you fit it into your budget.”

For more Words of Wisdom from Sheena Hinson, visit the Uplevel Practice Solutions page of our Protocol Directory.

Sheena Hinson RDH
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