01/25/2024
We get a lot of questions here at our clinic about insurance networks. We know that it is important to spend your money and time wisely, and we also know how special our patients are when they choose to spend it with us! If your insurance provider has recently changed, and your dentist is no longer in network, here are some pros to sticking with what you know and have experienced in the past!
1. **Specialized Expertise:** If the out-of-network dentist specializes in a particular area of dentistry that meets your specific needs, such as cosmetic dentistry, staying with them can ensure you receive specialized and expert care.
2. **Personal Connection:** If you have established a strong and trusting relationship with your current dentist, the comfort and personal connection you feel may outweigh the benefits of switching to an in-network provider.
3. **Flexible Appointment Scheduling:** Out-of-network dentists might offer more flexibility in appointment scheduling, making it easier for you to arrange visits that fit your busy schedule.
4. **Preferred Treatment Methods:** If your current dentist employs treatment methods or technologies that you prefer and find effective, staying with them allows you to continue with a treatment plan that suits your preferences. Out-of-network dentists do not have the pressure many in-network dentists have to turn over the chair quickly, thus ensuring you have a good experience.
5. **Geographic Convenience:** Your preferred dentist may be conveniently located, saving you time and effort in commuting to appointments, especially if there are limited in-network options in your immediate area.
6. **Established Trust:** Trust is crucial in healthcare. If you trust your out-of-network dentist and feel confident in their abilities, maintaining that trust may be a compelling reason to stay with them.
7 ** Little or No Cost Difference.** Because an in-network dentist’s fees are artificially depressed in order to be part of the network, it is not unusual to see unbundling of work, or more aggressive treatment planning. You would be surprised how many in-network treatment plans we see that are significantly higher than our own. Also, some of these dental offices in our area are owned by out of state corporations who have learned to maximize billing within the plan, which can result in little to no net savings to the patient.
As always, we are here to serve our patients and make their experience here at our clinic the absolute best it can be! Please, reach out if we can help you or answer any questions you may have about your insurance and coverage whether in or out of network!
