PAGD Keystone Explorer Summer 2021

Keystone Explorer | Summer 2021 11 dentistry issues Q patients through the door. Our labor was significantly reduced by eliminating the work associated with insurance calculations and collection issues. We were able to spend more time with the patients that appreciated us. Our “write-offs” disappeared. In fact, in less than one year we were generating the same amount of revenue as before with a 25% reduction in overhead. Whoa… who would have thought? Going out-of-network with the rest of the insurances was an easy decision after that. We continue to submit all insurance claims on our patients’ behalf. In fact, a lot of patients are reimbursed a significant portion of their out-of- pocket expense, if not 100%. Oh, and a lot of those patients that felt the need to give me a piece of their mind… well, they came back. Once the emotional response had time to calm down, they realized that it was a business decision on our part, and that they liked coming to our practice. They did not all come back… and I am hopeful that those that left have found a dental home that suits all their needs. In conclusion, the decision to go out- of-network with insurance providers was a personal one for me and my practice. Every practitioner needs to decide what works best for them. It was not easy, and we made mistakes along the way… but I am sure glad we did it.