Dealing with Complex Dental Treatment Plans during the Recession?
Dr. U. asks:
In my area the economy has taken a huge downturn throwing many people out of work and forcing businesses to close. I have several patients who committed to complex treatment plans. I require a 25% down payment before any work goes to the laboratory. I require a 50% down payment before I deliver crowns, bridges and dentures. I am in a situation where cases that I have started are ready for placement, but the patients cannot afford the 50% down payment. What do I do? I feel badly, but I will not be able to cover my costs if I insert the ceramic crowns. And I have no idea if the patients will ever be able to come up with the money they owe. How are you dealing with this?
4 Comments on Dealing with Complex Dental Treatment Plans during the Recession?
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Dr.Siva Prakash Dhanaraj
2/3/2009
Dear Friend , This Economic downturn is every where in the World. Any treatment{ Even Non -Dental treatments } , which are not covered by any kind of Health Insurance, Has a Big Downturn.
Dr.Siva Prakash Dhanaraj
2/3/2009
The Only way in your case is , sit and explain to the patient the practical problems, if the patient is willing try arranging some kind of Dental Finance, in a convenient EMI.
Till this recession is over my friend, Dont go for Split payments. Always go for a "single pre - payment" option.
If possible cut down Your Cost factor and Profit margin. Try increasing the Number of patients, instead of Profit from a Few Cases.
Just Use this oppurtunity to Increase the Number...
Iam a Implantologist and A Cosmetic specialist practicing for the past 7 yrs. I face the same prob here. A small Change in trend in Practice Methodology will be always a boom for the Practitioner...
All The Best..!!!
dr david harpaz
2/7/2009
Dear Dr. U.
You have mentioned that you require 50% down payment before cementation ?????? At the cementation appointment you should get the entire amount. Charge the 50% down payment at the prep appointment and the other 50% at the cementation. Any lab work other then crown and bridge i.e. wax up, temps, stents, models, face bow transfer etc should be paid in full prior to sending it to lab, at the impression appointment. A patient who trust you, and is sincere about getting the work done will not give you a hard time about the charges. As far as to the complex long treatments that was started, offer care credit or citi financial for the patient. That is one year no interest for the patient. In any case, make sure to write up a contract with payment schedule prior to any work so your patient will know ahead of time what is expected of him/her as far as payment concern.
Good luck
ilya
2/8/2009
Legally you are now attached to the patient. You have to finish the work. I never touch the tooth if I dont get the money upfront. You have to be careful, some patients are so professional that promised you to pay you 50% now and then after the case is done. In my experience, these patients always drag their feet in paying OR start disclaiming that they owe more. Even though, they sign tx plans, they still argue. I have realized not to risk my license and not worry if they will pay me. I dont chase money now. Take money upfront, and you will sleep better.
IB
