Increasing treatment acceptance in a cool economy

Article Abstract:

Consumer caution, fueled by fears about the duration of the economic recession, presents a problem for dentistry, which is in large measure dependent on people's discretionary income. In times of financial uncertainty, people are more likely to only spend money on necessities, often giving dental needs a low priority. In one recent survey, 14 percent of those polled said they would wait until the economy improves to undergo non-emergency dental care. This leads to less take-home pay for dentists. Solutions to the problem are presented and discussed. Patients may be offered payment arrangements that are easier for them to handle, or may be offered treatment in phases. This involves breaking a treatment plan into groups of related procedures that are paid for in smaller amounts than the treatment plan as a whole. The approach obviates the need for a secondary, often less desirable but cheaper, treatment plan; it makes payment easier for the patient; and it makes for better workflow in the office because the receptionist does not need to interrupt the dentist at work with questions about special financial arrangements. When phasing is discussed with the patient, the financial secretary (or receptionist, as the case may be) should stress the importance of not letting finances interfere with the benefits of treatment, and then suggest discussing payment for only the first part of treatment. Patients usually accept phasing unless they feel the treatment team is not supportive and involved with their care. Since patients' financial status may improve during treatment, new payment arrangements can always be negotiated. The recession does not have to be bad for dentistry. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Finance, Dental fees

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Dealing with dentistry's image dilemma

Article Abstract:

It is perhaps paradoxical that people rank dentists highly as professionals, yet will avoid visiting the dentist and even, on occasion, deny that their services are necessary. Movies have depicted dentists as sadistic, ludicrous, or ruthless, and media have frightened patients about health hazards associated with amalgam fillings. Whether people keep dental appointments, pay promptly for services rendered, and refer their friends, all depends on their perception of the dentist. The profession needs to improve its image. Although dentistry is the second most respected profession in the US, dentists have not yet internalized a positive self-image. Part of the problem may be associated with the isolation in which the typical dentist works, a situation where feedback is difficult to obtain. This can erode self-confidence, a loss that may be ultimately communicated to the patient as indecision, evasiveness, or preoccupation. While technical skills are the foundation of dentistry, person-to-person skills are the aspects of dentistry most valued by the patient. Dentists should try harder to understand their patients' concerns. One way to facilitate this is to ask questions. Patients' fears should be addressed. In some cases, improving the appearance of the office will help the dentist's image. Business skills necessary for running the office may need to be developed more. Fortunately, one important area, keeping up with clinical developments, is the easiest for most dentists. Other people's image of dentistry is a reflection of the self-image projected by dentists themselves. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Practice, Dentists, Public opinion, editorial

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Capitation: the choice is yours

Article Abstract:

Capitation is increasingly being touted for use in both the medical and dental professions. It involves patients prepaying for care rather than paying on a fee-for-service basis. Currently only a small percentage of dental patients are covered by capitation programs. The questions young dentists face regarding capitation programs involve whether they should introduce them into their practices and whether they will be forced to do so in the future. Capitation programs were introduced by insurance companies to keep costs down, and in theory such programs should work. In practice, however, the dentist usually ends up the loser because he or she must choose between reducing the quality of care or going broke. The young dentist has the choice and will continue to have the choice as to whether or not to use capitation. Because of its limitations, it will probably not become the major payment system in dentistry. There are a number of ways that dentists can address the problems associated with fee-for-service care that are often cited as reasons for implementing capitation. Patient education is needed to underscore the importance of proper dental care and the fact that it is worth the economic outlay. Financial assistance needs to be offered to poorer patients. This can be accomplished by careful business management. Capitation may be here to stay, but dentists have a choice and fee-for-service remains the best option from most dentists' point of view. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Usage, Capitated payment systems (Medical care)

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