FAQs/Prices
Visit the information below for details on exactly how our service works. As always, give us a call for a free phone consult at 303-204-9515 and we can answer any questions directly.
FAQs
Q: How do you gather the information for the analysis?
A: The dentist gives us access to the office’s practice management software by remote access login. We then examine the office’s data by logging in to review insurance information. We typically do this during the evenings or on week-ends so that we do not interrupt your staff while they are caring for patients or tie up one of the office’s computers. We also ask that you give us your software support numbers so that if we have a question about how your data or reports are set up we can contact tech support directly instead of bothering your staff more than necessary with questions.
Q: How much time will it take to get the analysis?
A: Our basic analysis is typically done within 7-10 days. We gather your practice information by remote access, compile the data so that each insurance plan is listed separately with write-offs and revenues tied to each company and then ranked accordingly. The data is then condensed into an easy, one-page summary and sent to the dentist for review. You will see insurance information ranked both according to write-offs as well as revenue generated. Group practices take slightly longer due to having multiple providers and more data to examine. We email you the information and then schedule a phone conference with you and/or your staff to discuss your office’s individualized report.
Q: What happens after I get the review done?
A: Many dentists are shocked to see the detailed write-offs when they are analyzed individually and presented in order from best to worst. When the review is done we make recommendations on which fee schedules we believe would be good ones to ask for a fee schedule increase from the insurance company. When possible, we would prefer to see if a better fee schedule is obtainable before pursuing a decision to go out-of-network. If you want to pursue better fee schedules but do not have the time or inclination to do it yourself, we can also handle the negotiation proceess for you.
Q: How do I ask for a better fee schedule?
A: Once you see our analysis you will very quickly realize which plans are paying you the worst fee schedules and be able to zero in on the ones that need to be negotiated quickly. If you would prefer to handle your own fee negotiations, our initial analysis will leave you well equipped to maximize your results. The beauty of our service is that we can also do fee negotiations for you! If you would prefer that we handle negotiations on your behalf consider our advanced package where we will take your customized infomation and work towards getting you the best fees for the codes that matter the most to YOUR practice.
Q: What if the insurance company won’t negotiate?
A: Some won’t. Unfortunately, we can’t promise that a company will negotiate. However, with years of experience in this industry, we have a good history of which companies will negotiate and which ones typically do not. We will give you up front advice so that expectations are realistic based on our track record. If you are participating with only insurance companies that we think are unlikely to negotiate we’ll tell you that up front.
Q: How do I determine when it’s time to consider going out-of-network?
A: After our initial analysis, we will have solid data to help you determine if it is a good time to consider going out-of-network. We will already have looked closely at your current schedule with the idea that keeping a full schedule is the priority. While write-offs are painful to consider, we want to be exchanging PPO revenue for full revenue not NO revenue! Practices who already have holes in their schedule will find it hard to drop insurance without additional marketing plans in place. For those ready to begin dropping plans, we typically recommend a gradual approach based on criteria we have found to retain current patients when going out-of-network and also creating a plan to keep new patient numbers steady. Even if it turns out you are not quite ready to begin dropping any PPOs you will be well on your way to making informed decisions as your practice continues to grow. With a plan in place the next steps become much easier. Our advanced package is designed to help you realize this doesn’t have to be a scary process!
Q: With a name like DropThePPO don’t you encourage every dentist to get off of all insurance plans?
A: No. There’s no need to paint all insurance companies as the enemy but rather to recognize that if a fee schedule has 40% write-offs certain choices must be made to make it profitable. Dentists who come to us typically feel something isn’t working as well as they had hoped because their chosen practice style is not compatible with high write-offs. Our goal is simply to continue relationships with insurance companies that allow you to care for patients properly with the reasonable expectation that you will not lose money each time you see a patient with the practice style you have chosen.
Q: How much do you know about fee schedules in my particular area and how much can you share?
A: We have extensive experience in all US markets including saturated areas as well as rural communities with less competition. We maintain the confidentiality requests and/or requirements of the insurance carriers we work with on behalf of individual dentists and will not share the content of fee schedules with anyone other than the dentist the carrier has specifically offered it to, and will not republish any schedule for outside use. Each insurance carier’s preferred fee schedule comes with a caution clearly noted by the individual insurance carrier to keep the content confidential and to avoid publishing it in any form and we strongly recommend this caution be followed by our clients. In other words, we have the knowledge to negotiate clearly in your market and will let you know when we have achieved the insurance companies best offer but won’t release any other provider’s fee schedules in the area due to confidentiality requirements.
To see if our Analysis Services may be right for your practice Contact Us.
Pricing
We offer packages for new dentists, solo practitioners and larger, group practices. Shoot us an email and we’ll be happy to send you a flyer with pricing information for your practice.
