“Any doctor who's owned or worked in the practice or has even been a patient has suffered the consequences of a lack of transparency in the billing process. The average practice has over $1,000,000 of planned treatment that hasn't been completed. That's just the average. They know that they have it, and they know they need to complete it. Dentists are sitting on a gold mine in these practices. If you just had the people power to reach out to those people or if you could convert them right there on the spot, it's huge.” -- Dr. Ryan Hungate, DDS, MS, Chief Clinical Officer, Henry Schein One
Henry Schein One’s Chief Clinical Officer Dr. Ryan Hungate sat down with The Dental Marketer to discuss the pivotal role transparency plays in the dental billing process. Dr. Hungate challenges the opaque systems currently in use and passionately discusses how advancements in technology, like the innovative Eligibility Pro tool integrated within the Dentrix management system, streamline insurance verifications. By automating these processes, dental offices alleviate the administrative burden and provide patients with clear, accurate cost estimates right away, fostering trust and enhancing the patient experience.
Throughout the conversation, Dr. Hungate emphasizes the broader implications of transparent billing on treatment acceptance rates. By approaching financial discussions with clarity and empathy, and offering flexible financing options, practices can significantly improve patient outcomes.
The takeaway is clear: adopting automated solutions isn't just a technological upgrade; it's an ethical commitment to providing transparent, affordable care.
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
- The impact of transparent billing on patient trust and satisfaction
- Technological advancements in dental practice management
- How automated tools can streamline insurance verification
- Methods for enhancing patient experience and treatment acceptance
- The importance of regular assessments in optimizing dental operations
- Strategies for presenting financing options to patients