The number of dentists experiencing decreases in insurance reimbursements from the companies in which they participate is higher than ever before. Additionally, dentists need to realize that even if insurance companies do not increase the reimbursements, the impact of current inflation is the same as a net decrease in the reimbursement. There is no magic wand to improve insurance reimbursements; however, there are strategies that can help.
Develop a process to appeal insurance-based procedures that are rejected by the insurance company. Sometimes, this is merely an administrative person at the insurance company deciding that the case submitted does not qualify. With an appeal process, it can be reviewed and potentially approved.
Don’t forget to take time to review whether new codes have emerged each year. We continually find practices that are using codes that lead to lower reimbursements when they can legitimately use the proper coding and receive higher reimbursements.
Dr. Roger P. Levin is CEO of Levin Group, a leading practice management and marketing consulting firm. To contact him or to join the 40,000 dental professionals who receive his Practice Production Tip of the Day, visit LevinGroup.com or email [email protected].
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