The High Performing Dental Team

#201 most replayed moment from last year: How to Handle Downgrades and Get More Accurate Patient Estimates

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Show Notes


In case you missed it, this is a replayed moment from last year that quickly became one of my most listened-to podcast episodes. And honestly, it’s still just as relevant today because insurance hasn’t gotten any simpler… if anything, it’s gotten more complicated. 💡 Are your insurance estimates in Dentrix causing confusion, write-offs, or upset patients? In this episode, Dayna Johnson breaks down the two primary methods for estimating insurance in dental practices—fee schedule vs allowed amount—and why choosing the right one is critical for accuracy, collections, and patient trust. With insurance becoming more complex, Dayna explains how exceptions, downgrades, and limitations can throw off your estimates and what you can do inside Dentrix to improve accuracy. She also shares practical strategies for using tools like Eligibility Pro, overriding estimates when needed, and involving patients in understanding their coverage. If your team struggles with insurance estimates, this episode will give you clarity, confidence, and a better system. ✅ Key Takeaways: • Understand the difference between fee schedule vs allowed amount methods • Why insurance estimating has become more complex over time • How exceptions and limitations impact treatment estimates • Strategies for handling downgrades accurately • How Dentrix helps manage insurance calculations • When and how to override estimates for better accuracy • How Eligibility Pro simplifies insurance syncing • Why patient communication about coverage is essential • The importance of ongoing training for insurance workflows ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 Understanding Insurance Estimation Methods 02:41 Navigating Exceptions in Insurance Coverage 05:21 Fee Schedule vs Allowed Amount Method 08:13 Handling Downgrades in Treatment Plans 11:16 Utilizing Dentrix for Accurate Estimates 13:54 Enhancing Patient Communication and Involvement 📲 Want help fixing your insurance workflows and improving collections? Book a discovery call with Dayna: 👉 https://calendly.com/dayna-johnson/discovery-call


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