Presenting implant treatment can be extremely challenging. While the value of implant treatment is readily apparent, the cost is often a deterrent to case acceptance. When patients find out that insurance provides little or no coverage for implant treatment, most people will say “no” — unless the practice offers a way to make the cost affordable.
Patient financing does just that. It breaks the total cost of dental implants into comfortable monthly payments. Levin Group recommends offering financing options to all patients, not just those who express interest. According to a 2010 survey conducted by Levin Group, seven out of 10 doctors said offering patient financing increased case acceptance.
Financing by an outside dental-oriented patient financing company provides convenience for patients and practice alike. Patients can be approved in a matter of minutes — very important for implant case acceptance. Remember that patients are contemplating a great deal of new information. A quick and painless financing process will help ensure that they stay motivated for implant treatment.
Get 95 percent of something
A surprising number of implant practices today fail to tell patients that outside patient financing is available. Why? Some doctors are hesitant to give up a very small portion of the fee as part of the financing arrangement. This is clearly not in the practice’s best interests.
The small portion of the fee that is retained by the financing company is insignificant compared with the return to the practice. This is not a matter of receiving 100 percent of your fee as opposed to receiving 95 percent of your fee. It’s a matter of receiving 95 percent of your fee as opposed to receiving none of your fee, if the patient is unable to pay for the implant case. Without financing, many patients will not be able to afford implant treatment.
In addition, patient financing removes all patient financial arrangements from your practice. Once the revolving line of credit is put into place, the patient is obligated to the finance company rather than to your dental practice. The entire collection process is no longer your concern. This alone makes patient financing a practice-friendly option for implant patients.
Conclusion
Patient financing addresses reservations patients may have concerning fees. Offering this option makes it far easier for patients to say “yes” to implants. Ultimately, outside financing benefits both the implant patient and the practice.
Implant Tribune readers are entitled to receive a 20 percent courtesy on a Levin Group Practice Potential Analysis — an in-office evaluation designed to identify the true potential of your practice. Call (888) 973-0000 and mention “Implant Tribune” or e-mail customerservice@levingroup.com with “Implant Tribune” in the subject line.
About the author
Dr. Roger P. Levin is chairman and chief executive officer of Levin Group, a leading implant practice management firm. Levin Group provides Total Implant Success, the premier comprehensive consulting solution for lifetime success to implant clinicians in the United States and around the world.
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