Maximizing Patient Care: Why Your Practice Must Encourage Benefits Use Before Year-End

Why Year-End is Critical for Dental Providers

As the holiday season approaches, dental and vision practices experience a pivotal time of year. Patients are on the hunt to utilize their health benefits before they reset, creating a surge in patient demand. For health providers, the end of the calendar year is not simply about festive cheer; it's also an opportunity to boost practice revenue while positively impacting patients' health. The hustle and bustle of this period can set the tone for a successful new year.

What Patients Often Overlook: Missed Opportunities

Many patients may not be aware of the "use it or lose it" nature of their dental and vision insurance. Most plans have maximum allowances that don’t roll over, resulting in many individuals missing out on valuable care they have already paid for. For instance, only 2.8% of PPO dental insurance holders utilize their full annual benefits—indicating a significant gap in awareness that can affect their health outcomes.

The Importance of Preventive Care

It’s easy for patients to get caught up in holiday activities, but they often don't realize that preventive care visits, like dental cleanings or eye exams, can be fully covered. Dental plans usually provide preventive care at 100% in-network, emphasizing the importance of routine visits. Delaying care not only increases future treatment costs but also heightens the risk of complications—patients who skip regular checkups can see an overwhelming 43% increase in their annual dental expenses.

Engagement Strategies for Better Patient Retention

To ensure patients are maximizing their benefits before year-end, providers should actively remind them through recall campaigns. These can include emails, text reminders, or even personal phone calls. Research demonstrates that targeted communication can significantly enhance patient retention—some practices see a 10–15% increase in hygiene production when effective recall systems are employed. Moreover, automated reminders via SMS and calls can boost appointment attendance rates to over 78% and 80% respectively.

Actionable Steps for Patients

• Review Your Benefits: Patients should familiarize themselves with their insurance plans and the services that are covered. This can empower them to utilize their benefits fully.

• Don’t Delay Appointments: As the year comes to a close, scheduling any routine or preventive visits can help patients avoid unnecessary costs in the future.

• Utilize Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): If patients have an FSA, they should consider using these funds before they expire, as the funds typically operate on a "use it or lose it" basis.

Connecting the Dots: Why Awareness Matters

Education is key to helping patients understand their health benefits during this critical time. Practices can bolster relationships with their patients and build trust by providing them with insights on optimizing their benefits. By focusing on preventive care and making information readily available, practices not only enhance patient well-being but also promote a culture of proactive health management.

As 2025 draws closer to its end, it's crucial to encourage patients to capitalize on their health benefits. By reminding them of available resources and the urgency of scheduling necessary appointments, practices can facilitate healthier lives while solidifying their operational success as they move into the new year.