As we gear up for another exciting year, it's time to reflect on our accomplishments and prepare for what lies ahead. For dental practices, this often means considering new paths and addressing common questions such as: How can we attract more high-value new patients? How do we increase production and become the top choice in our area? And most importantly, should we continue our relationship with contracted insurance plans? While we can't make that decision for you, we can share that success outside of these plans is attainable. Let's explore some key factors to consider.

Contracted insurance plans may offer a wide network and preventive care coverage, but they often come with limitations. Low reimbursements and rigid treatment boundaries can hinder a dentist's ability to provide optimal care and impede financial growth. Just ask Tulip Tree Dental in South Bend, Indiana. Their bold decision to transition to a fee-for-service model, with a focus on quality, resulted in a remarkable increase in production. By partnering with Firegang Dental Marketing, they attracted patients who value superior dental care. Discover their transformation in our case study, "Booking Better Patients." Download the Case Study

Shifting Away from Contracted Insurance Plans

According to an article by Dental Economics, a compelling trend is emerging: dentists, frustrated with inflexible insurance plans, are increasingly gravitating towards the coveted fee-for-service model. This evolving landscape suggests a future where insurance companies might become more amenable to negotiations.

This paradigm shift is fueled by a craving for financial freedom and autonomy in managing practices. Interestingly, some employers are offering competitive out-of-network coverage options, a fact often overshadowed. By opting out of these contracts, dentists regain control over their fees and treatment plans, leading to increased profitability and a renewed focus on quality care.

Interested in learning how you can cut ties with contracted insurance plans and increase your production with fewer appointments? Schedule a Practice Growth Assessment call with our Firegang team today!

Charting the Path to Success Without Insurance Constraints

We're not outright suggesting you sever insurance contracts immediately, but it is worth contemplating, as terminations are prompting many insurance plans to engage in fee negotiations. Consider the following as a proposed strategy:

Team Alignment: Rally your team around the idea of potential contract terminations. Emphasize that quality care is a non-negotiable aspect and instill a belief that transitioning out of network may be the best course of action for both the team and patients.

Patient Dialogue: Inform your patients about potential changes in your insurance participation. Communicate that restrictive agreements are impeding the mission to provide top-tier care and that any decision made will prioritize their well-being and high-quality dentistry.

Initiate Insurance Negotiations: Start discussions with insurance providers without setting a fee increase limit. Be prepared for initial resistance, but stand firm in your demands for acceptable fee adjustments.

Plan for Full Transition: If negotiations fail, prepare for a full transition out of network, ensuring excellent customer service and thorough communication with patients. Surprisingly, most patients tend to remain loyal even after such a transition.

Attracting the Right Patients: Marketing Strategies That Work

In this new landscape, attracting high-value patients becomes paramount. Effective marketing, leveraging online platforms and word-of-mouth referrals, can target patients who appreciate and are willing to pay for premium dental care. Building strong patient relationships and offering personalized experiences are key to attracting and retaining your ideal patients, who will add tremendous value to your dental practice.

Prioritizing Quality in Modern Dentistry

By focusing on quality rather than quantity, dentists can provide more thorough and individualized care, leading to greater patient satisfaction, loyalty, and referrals. This approach not only enhances the practice's reputation but also its profitability.

Key Strategies for Independence:

• Identifying Your Ideal Patient: Determine the patient demographic that best aligns with your practice's unique offerings.
• Setting Competitive Fees: Ensure your fees reflect the value and expertise provided by your practice.
• Adopting Effective Marketing Tactics: Use a mix of online and traditional marketing methods to attract high-value patients.
• Focusing on Patient Experience: Emphasize personalized care and patient comfort, along with efficient scheduling.
• Ongoing Professional Development: Stay abreast of the latest advancements in dentistry.
• Enhancing Online Presence: Use patient testimonials to build trust and attract new patients.

Want to learn how you can boost your reviews so patients choose you over your in-network competitors? Download our FREE “Online Reputation Management Guide” today! Download the Guide

Embracing Change for a Brighter Future

At Firegang Dental Marketing, we have witnessed remarkable success with dental practices that have made the decision to cut ties with contracted insurance plans. Moving away from these plans doesn't have to be stressful. It's about realigning with the true spirit of dentistry—prioritizing quality over quantity, attracting patients who value what you offer, and providing exceptional care. We understand that this transition can be daunting, but we're here to help. Schedule a Practice Growth Assessment call with our team today to explore powerful strategies that will allow you to escape the limitations of insurance contracts and transform your dental practice into a beacon of success in 2024.