Eschew pretreatment estimates, if possible. Pretreatment estimates are a way for patients to put off treatment and a way for insurance companies to delay paying. Don't train your patients to wait for predeterminations before committing to a schedule. If they need treatment and have insurance, verify the benefits, present to the patients and encourage them to schedule. Let them know you're going to help them maximize their insurance benefits. Most pretreatment estimates never become insurance claims. Implement an in-house membership plan. Increase treatment acceptance for patients who don't have traditional dental insurance by implementing an in-house membership plan. There are no claims to file and no insurance company involved. Patients pay an annual or monthly subscription to the practice, which covers preventive care visits and a discount for other treatment. These plans can be managed in-house or through a third party. They help build patient loyalty and increase retention. Conclusion The insurance industry is forever changing and the process of getting claims paid and keeping patients happy can be stressful, but it can also create customer service opportunities to increase patient loyalty and retention. If an insurance coordinator is trained, knows and understands their responsibility, they will have more confidence and will be more successful in the position. ■ dentaltown.com \\ MARCH 2021 DT0321_Pardue_CE-Part3.indd 77 77 2/18/21 2:41 PMhttp://www.dentaltown.com