Dear Laura Show - Ep 13 - Last minute hygiene cancellations | Insurance focused patient

In this episode, Laura Nelson addresses two important topics in dental practice management. First, she discusses strategies for dealing with last-minute hygiene cancellations. Laura highlights the need to change the practice's philosophy and verbal skills to prioritize hygiene appointments. Second, she dives into handling insurance-focused patients and emphasizes the importance of shifting the conversation to focus on the patient's dental health.

Key Points:

1. Last-minute hygiene cancellations - Patients often prioritize other commitments over dental cleanings. Practices should reevaluate their approach and implement verbal skills to convey the importance of keeping scheduled appointments.
2. Avoid reliance on cancellation fees - Charging fees may not be effective in preventing cancellations. Instead, focus on establishing clear expectations and agreements with patients.
3. Shifting the focus from insurance to dental health - Patients often lead conversations with insurance-related questions. Practices should train their team to acknowledge these concerns but transition the discussion to emphasize the patient's dental well-being.
4. Internal culture change - Dental teams should strive to be insurance savvy rather than insurance-driven. A patient's dental health should be at the forefront of conversations and treatment plans.

Join Laura Nelson as she provides valuable insights on improving dental office operations and patient interactions.

Stay tuned for more episodes of the "Dear Laura Show," where Laura answers questions from dental team members and doctors to enhance practice management and patient care.