Unused Dental Benefits....Use them or Lose them!

While it may be hard to believe, we are fast approaching the end of another year! 2008 is only a few short months away, yet many patients have hardly utilized their dental benefits. Even if they have no pending treatment, often patients don't even take advantage of the preventive services that are available in their plan. 

Procrastination is human nature. So, it is our responsibility to encourage those patients who have unused insurance dollars to schedule an appointment to get their treatment done before their benefits expire at the end of the year. I have found it helpful to send a letter to patients with dental insurance reminding them that any insurance dollars not used by the end of the year will be lost forever. This prompts many patients to contact the dental office to see how much of their maximum remains, and is a great opportunity to review any outstanding treatment needs with them as well.

I am including a sample of such a letter below. Feel free to use it in your practice if you would like. My suggestion would be to get these in the mail by the first of October, to enable as many patients as possible to get in before the end of the year.

 Dear Patient:

We are sending this special letter to all our patients who have dental insurance. Most dental plans have a set dollar amount to be paid out each year. Any benefits not utilized by the end of the plan year are lost. If you have dental treatment that you have been postponing, including routine preventive treatment, please call our office as soon as possible to make an appointment, before your benefits expire.

Sometimes it is possible to complete dental treatment in phases. Depending on individual needs, careful planning to maximize your benefits remaining for 2007 while doing the remainder of treatment the beginning of 2008 can provide you with more reimbursement than waiting to do all treatment in 2008.

Other factors such as deductibles, covered cleanings that you have not used, etc. could result in your losing benefits which you have already paid for. Don't let your unused benefits expire! Contact our office as soon as possible to reserve time for you or any family members needing treatment.  If you have any questions concerning your remaining dental treatment or benefits, please feel free to contact us. We will be happy to assist you.

Sincerely,

Dr. __________ & Team

This can be printed on your practice letterhead, and labels can be generated for all accounts with dental insurance, to expedite the mailing process. You might be amazed at the response you receive. In any case, it is always far better to be proactive rather than reactive. In today's slower economy, we have to do everything possible to generate a productive schedule. Patients will appreciate the organized follow through to help save them money. And the practice may fill some open slots on the schedule to boot!

By Elaine Dickson