Dental Patients’ Benefits Expiring Reminders
Dental patients’ benefits expiring reminders are valuable to everyone. And the end of the calendar year approaches as we speak. This is one of those times when patient reminders are helpful. There are holidays, vacations, and many events occupying everyone’s thoughts. But it’s just one of two times I recommend a reminder like this. Because many patients have benefits that run on a fiscal calendar. Our patients who work in the education system usually have benefits that expire in June and renew in July.
Flex plan benefits are another consideration. And these are also a use it or lose it kind of thing. Although some dental plans have a roll-over feature, not all do. And flex plan money that is tax-free is gone unless it’s used. That is a situation where nobody wins. So, let’s think about this for a minute. Because we want to approach this logically. And take into consideration all aspects of how to best help our patients and our practice during these two time periods on our yearly calendars.
Automate Patient Benefits, Tables, History & More!
First, you must be impeccable with your insurance database. If the database isn’t clean and accurate, it’s going to be messy. So, let’s assume that all is on the up and up. And we can run the reports we need and do what we need to do. Man power is expensive and energy sucking. Let’s save that for the times when we need the energy. And use the technology available to us in this century.
Get the help you need if you need it. Trojan is a fabulous company that will do so much for you. Customize the services you might like them to manage for you. And let your team do the rest. But let’s be really clear on this. Incorrect data entry provides us with incorrect information to work with. So, be on top of your game here. And let’s move onto the next step.
Dental Patients’ Benefits Expiring Reports
Let’s begin with the report that shows patients with remaining benefits. But, we also want to filter in a couple of other factors. First, consider patients with unscheduled treatment plans. And secondly, patients whose benefits expire at the end of December. Now, depending on what software system you use, this report will vary accordingly.
Voila! Now, we have something to work with. And I recommend a browse through this list of patients. There may be some patients you would prefer to call to schedule. And also leave a copy for your doc to look at as well. Before any outreach begins, consider just a few things.
- Does anyone on this list owe the practice money?
- Is there someone we would rather wait on reaching out to for another reason?
Then, put together a plan!
Dental Patients’ Benefits Expiring Emails
For patients you prefer to call first, give them a call. And I truly believe an email is the best way to reach many patients. Now, there may be some patients who have chosen not to provide an email address. But those should be few and far between. Right? So, let’s think about the best way to distribute a large number of emails! We have the technology. And for this purpose, and many others, I highly encourage you to consider Lighthouse 360!
Text is also a possibility. However, it is not my personal preference. Because an email to me seems more professional and private. Yet, most of our patients can still access and do access their personal email from their phones. It just feels like a better choice to me. And Lighthouse 360 offers templates for you to consider and customize as well.
Get Ready!
Seriously, though! If you have many patients with outstanding treatment and unused flex plan or insurance benefits, be prepared. Phones will begin to ring more and emails will come back to you. And for those patients who don’t respond, follow up with a phone call. Make sure they are good with their decision to delay treatment.
And those are some good words to use in a conversation with your patients. “We just want to be sure you are okay with letting some of your benefits go. And that you understand there may be adverse consequences to delaying your dental treatment at this time.” And then ask if it would be alright if you got back in touch with them after the holidays to schedule.
