Is Dental Insurance Draining Your Practice?
You’ve been there before. A patient walks in needing critical dental care, but when it’s time to settle the bill, their insurance denies the claim. You’re stuck in an uncomfortable position—do you eat the cost, try to collect from the patient, or lose them altogether? Worse yet, the endless battle with insurance companies isn’t just affecting your bottom line—it’s driving a wedge between you and your patients.
If you’ve ever wondered what to do when dental insurance won’t pay, you’re not alone. Dentists across the country are grappling with the same challenges, finding themselves in a frustrating cycle that leaves everyone dissatisfied. But here’s the good news: there’s a way out. You don’t have to rely on these third-party payers that create more problems than they solve. It’s time to take back control of your practice, your revenue, and your patient relationships.
Story: Dr. Nelson’s Revolutionary Approach
Meet Dr. Nelson, a forward-thinking dentist who was stuck in the same insurance rat race you’re in now. He had it all—experience, a loyal patient base, and a practice he was proud of. But as insurance companies tightened their reins, he noticed his profits dwindling. The stress was mounting, and he found himself asking the same question over and over: What to do when dental insurance won’t pay?
Dr. Nelson knew something had to change. That’s when he discovered a game-changing strategy: launching a patient membership plan. Instead of being at the mercy of insurance companies, he started offering his patients a simple, affordable membership plan that delivered the care they needed without the hassle of claims, denials, or waiting periods.
The results were nothing short of phenomenal. In just a few months, Dr. Nelson signed up over 1,600 patients on his membership plan, each paying $40 per month. His practice transformed almost overnight. He wasn’t just covering costs anymore—he was generating consistent, reliable revenue, month after month. This wasn’t just a temporary fix; it was a long-term solution that revolutionized his practice.
The Million Dollar Membership Plan
So, what was Dr. Nelson’s secret weapon? It wasn’t just the membership plan itself, but the strategy behind it—a strategy he learned from Jordon Comstock’s book, The Million Dollar Membership Plan. In this book, Jordon lays out a step-by-step guide to creating and scaling a dental membership plan that can generate substantial recurring revenue, without relying on insurance companies.
Imagine what it would feel like to have predictable income every month, to see patients who are invested in their dental health, and to watch your practice thrive without the stress and strain of insurance hassles.
And here’s where it gets even better: the impact of this strategy goes beyond just revenue. When you launch a successful membership plan, you build a stronger relationship with your patients. They’re no longer just names on a chart—they’re members of your practice community, receiving the care they need when they need it, all while feeling valued and appreciated.
Strategies for When Dental Insurance Won’t Pay
Let’s dive deeper into the practical steps you can take to replicate Dr. Nelson’s success and break free from the constraints of insurance companies:
1. Evaluate Your Insurance Partnerships
Start by taking a hard look at your existing insurance contracts. Are they benefiting your practice, or are they a burden? If you find that your overhead costs are increasing, claim denials are frequent, and reimbursements are lower than ever, it might be time to consider dropping those Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs).
2. Educate Your Patients
When considering dropping PPOs, communication is key. Educate your patients on why this move is in their best interest. Explain how a membership plan works and why it offers better value and more flexibility. Patients who understand the benefits are more likely to stay with your practice, even if you no longer accept their insurance.
3. Launch a Patient Membership Plan
This is the heart of the solution. Your membership plan should be simple, affordable, and accessible. For example, Dr. Nelson’s plan offered preventive care (cleanings, exams, x-rays) and discounts on other procedures, all for a flat monthly fee. Here’s a breakdown of what to consider:
- Pricing: Set a monthly or annual fee that’s competitive and provides value. Dr. Nelson’s $40/month plan was a sweet spot—affordable for patients, yet profitable for his practice.
- Benefits: Offer preventive services at no additional cost, and significant discounts on other treatments. This encourages patients to seek care before problems become costly.
- Marketing: Promote your membership plan to current patients, on your website, and through social media. Highlight the benefits and ease of use compared to traditional insurance.
4. Measure the Financial Impact
Let’s talk numbers. Dr. Nelson’s 1,600 patients paying $40 per month brought in a Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR) of $64,000. That’s $768,000 per year (Annual Recurring Revenue, ARR), just from the membership plan alone. And that’s not including revenue from other services patients might need.
The impact on his practice was enormous. The steady, predictable income allowed Dr. Nelson to invest in new equipment, hire additional staff, and even take on fewer patients each day, focusing on quality over quantity.
Why Now Is the Time to Act
If you’re still wondering what to do when dental insurance won’t pay, now is the time to act. The traditional insurance model is broken—high administrative costs, delayed payments, and declining reimbursements are holding your practice back. But by transitioning to a patient membership plan, you can create a stable, sustainable income stream that benefits both you and your patients.
Urgency: Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
The longer you wait, the more your practice suffers. Every month that goes by with unpaid claims is money left on the table. Every frustrated patient who leaves your practice for one that offers a membership plan is a missed opportunity. Don’t let another month pass by without taking action. Your practice deserves better, and so do your patients.
Take the First Step
Start by reading The Million Dollar Membership Plan by Jordon Comstock. It’s the blueprint that Dr. Nelson followed to create his successful membership program. The book covers everything you need to know, from pricing strategies to marketing tips, and even the software needed to manage your plan.
Once you’ve got the basics down, start planning your own membership program. If you’re not sure where to begin, reach out to a consultant or a service that specializes in dental membership plans. The key is to start now. The sooner you implement your plan, the sooner you’ll see the benefits.
The Bigger Picture: Transforming Your Practice
Launching a membership plan is more than just a way to make up for lost insurance revenue—it’s about transforming your entire practice. It’s about creating a model that prioritizes patient care, builds loyalty, and generates consistent, reliable income.
By dropping PPOs, educating your patients, and launching a membership plan, you’re not just reacting to the problems caused by insurance companies—you’re taking proactive steps to secure the future of your practice.
And the best part? This strategy isn’t just for practices in big cities or affluent areas. Dr. Nelson’s practice wasn’t in a major metropolitan area, yet he still managed to enroll over 1,600 patients. This proves that no matter where you’re located, a well-designed membership plan can work wonders for your practice.
Conclusion: A Better Way Forward
So, what to do when dental insurance won’t pay? The answer is clear: stop relying on insurance companies and start building your own revenue streams. The success stories like Dr. Nelson’s aren’t flukes—they’re the result of smart strategies, careful planning, and a willingness to break free from the status quo.
The time to act is now. Start by exploring membership plans, educating your patients, and reading The Million Dollar Membership Plan by Jordon Comstock. Every day you wait is another day of missed opportunities and lost revenue. Don’t let insurance companies dictate the future of your practice. Take control, implement a membership plan, and watch your practice thrive.
Call to Action:
Ready to take your practice to the next level? Start by reading The Million Dollar Membership Plan by Jordon Comstock. Then, start planning your membership program today. If Dr. Nelson can do it, so can you. Transform your practice, increase your revenue, and provide better care for your patients—without the headaches of dental insurance. The time to act is now.
