Alright, dental pros, let’s get real & discuss my favorite topic – Dental Case Acceptance. One of the biggest frustrations in your practice is hearing that dreaded “No” when you present a treatment plan. Or worse, the soul-crushing silence when a patient says they’ll “think about it” but you know they’re ghosting you harder than a bad Tinder date. Yeah, we’ve all been there.
But what if I told you there’s a way to turn more “maybes” into “HECK YES!”? Enter: Patient Membership Plans. These little beauties can boost your case acceptance rates higher than your caffeine levels during a Monday morning hygiene meeting. Seriously.
Let’s dig into why membership patients say “yes” to treatment more often than cash patients and PPO patients, and how your practice can rake in recurring revenue while keeping your sanity intact. Ready? Let’s go!
The Dental Case Acceptance Showdown: Membership Plans vs. Cash vs. PPO Patients
You’d think cash patients would be the holy grail, right? They’ve got the money, so they should be more likely to accept treatment. Well, buckle up, because our data tells a different story.
Meet Dan from Wood River Dental
Dan and his team at Wood River Dental (He also runs Elevation Association – Check them out) tracked their case acceptance rates for different types of patients, and here’s what they found:
- Cash Patients: 24% case acceptance rate. Ouch. Even though cash patients have the funds, they’re also super price-sensitive. You tell them a crown costs $1,200, and they start calculating how many avocado toasts they’d have to give up to pay for it.
- PPO Patients: 38% case acceptance rate. Slightly better, but don’t pop the champagne yet. Remember, PPO patients come with strings attached—like insurance reimbursements that cut your fees by 40-50% and make your team do the tango with red tape.
- Membership Patients: 40% case acceptance rate. BOOM. Membership patients not only say yes more often, but they also pay a subscription fee to be part of your practice. And get this: They spend 2X to 4.5X more than PPO patients. It’s like they’re practically begging you to give them a beautiful smile.
Why Membership Patients Say “Yes” More Often
So, what’s the secret sauce? Why do membership patients say yes to treatment plans more frequently? Here’s the breakdown:
- They’re Already Invested: Membership patients have skin in the game. They’re paying a monthly or annual fee for the convenience and discounts your plan offers, so they’re way more likely to move forward with treatment.
- Clear, Simple Pricing: Forget the complicated insurance jargon. Membership plans offer transparent pricing, which builds trust and makes treatment decisions easier.
- Savings That Feel Real: When you tell a membership patient, “Hey, you’re getting 20% off this crown,” they see the value immediately. PPO patients, on the other hand, are too busy trying to decode their insurance policy to feel any sense of savings.
The Nightmares of PPO Patients
Let’s not sugarcoat this: PPO patients are a double-edged sword. Sure, they make up a big chunk of your patient base, but at what cost?
- Slashed Fees: PPOs typically cut your treatment fees by 40-50%. That means you’re doing twice the work for half the money. No bueno.
- Administrative Headaches: Your team spends hours on the phone arguing with insurance companies, dealing with denied claims, and trying to decode the latest policy changes. It’s like playing an endless game of “Dental Insurance Jeopardy,” and your staff is over it.
Why Not Just Focus on Cash Patients?
Because, as we saw with Dan at Wood River Dental, cash patients are very price-sensitive. They’re the ones who ask if they can DIY their own fillings or if you’re running a buy-one-get-one-free special on implants (spoiler alert: you’re not).
How to Set Up a Patient Membership Plan That Actually Works
Alright, you’re sold on the idea of membership plans. But how do you set one up? Here’s the simple, no-BS guide:
1. Decide on Your Plan Structure
Think about what your patients need most. Preventive care? Discounts on restorative work? Cosmetic perks? A typical membership plan might include:
- Two cleanings per year
- Annual X-rays
- 15-20% off additional treatments
- Priority booking
Make sure your plan offers real value so patients feel like they’re winning the dental lottery.
2. Set a Competitive Price
Look at your area’s income demographics and find a sweet spot. Most practices charge $25-$40 per month. If you’re in a higher-income area, you might be able to charge more, especially if you add premium perks.
3. Market the Heck Out of It
Use social media, email campaigns, and in-office promotions to spread the word. Explain the benefits clearly and make it easy for patients to sign up. Heck, even throw a “Membership Launch Party” if you want to make it memorable.
How BoomCloud™ Makes It Easy
Managing a membership plan sounds like a lot of work, right? Wrong! That’s where BoomCloud™ comes in. It’s like having a personal assistant who never complains or takes coffee breaks.
What BoomCloud™ Does for You
- Automates Billing: No more chasing down payments. BoomCloud™ handles all the billing and renewals so you can focus on dentistry.
- Tracks Membership Data: See how many members you have, how much revenue they’re generating, and who’s up for renewal.
- Simplifies Reporting: Get real-time insights into your MRR and ARR so you can make data-driven decisions for your practice.
Learn More About BoomCloud™: BoomCloud™ – Membership Plan Software
Case Study: Dan’s Membership Success & Dental Case Acceptance at Wood River Dental
Remember Dan from earlier? Here’s how launching a membership plan changed the game for his practice:
- Members Signed Up: 835+ patients paying $45/month
- Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR): $37,575
- Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR): $450,900 & growing!!
- Increase in Patient Spend: Membership patients spent 3X more on additional treatments, like Invisalign and teeth whitening.
Dan’s team no longer had to deal with insurance headaches or stress about getting paid. They focused on providing amazing care and building real relationships with their patients.
Patient Loyalty and Higher Spend
One of the best parts about membership plans? Loyalty. Membership patients don’t just come back for their regular check-ups—they refer friends, book extra treatments, and rave about your practice. And when patients spend 2X to 4.5Xmore than PPO patients, you know you’re winning.
Final Thoughts: It’s Time to Boost Your Dental Case Acceptance Rates
If you’re tired of PPO headaches and cash patients saying no, it’s time to consider a patient membership plan. It’s simple, it’s effective, and with BoomCloud™ in your corner, it’s a total game-changer.
Ready to transform your practice and hear more “YES!” from your patients? Sign up for BoomCloud™ today and make managing your membership plan easier than a prophy on a perfect set of teeth.
Get Started with BoomCloud™ Here: BoomCloud™ – Membership Plan Software
Now go out there, boost your case acceptance, and turn your practice into a revenue-generating machine!
