Updated April 10, 2025
Running a successful dental practice means staying sharp on both clinical care and finances. Here are three common dental fee-related tips that can benefit your bottom line.
Multiple Fees For One Procedure
Did you know that you can have more than one dental fee for a procedure? Yes, you can as long as the fees are separated by a category of patients. For instance, you may charge the D0150 comprehensive evaluation for a new patient, but you want to categorize a patient returning to the practice after a 3-year absence as the same code but a different category, such as D0150A. When the claim is filed, the A is dropped by the software. When determining the actual new patient count, you would count the number of comprehensive evaluation codes on the practice management report. By having a separate category for new patients and one for returning patients, you can get a more accurate reading of the patient numbers.
Charging Finance Fees Without a Patient Signature
Are you charging a finance fee without the patient’s signature on a financial agreement? In most states, this fee is not collectible unless the patient has been notified in writing and has agreed upon the terms. Many PPO contracts or language in the Processing Policy Manual prohibit an in-network doctor from charging a finance charge or interest rate on unpaid amounts. The laws do vary by state, so it’s wise to contact your state dental board or state dental association for proper protocols.
Check your Standard Fees Annually
Did you know that you should be reviewing your standard dental fees yearly for updates or increases? Some doctors don’t want to “gauge” their patients with fee increases, but without analyzing operating costs, this is not a fair assumption. It is wise to make sure that your standard fees are higher than the practice’s highest insurance contracted fee. Payers most often pay the plan’s allowable fee or the reported practice fee, whichever is lower. Charging less than the highest contracted fee will reduce the collectible revenue for the practice, sometimes substantially.
To ensure your clinical care and finances are in order, partnering with experts can make all the difference. eAssist Dental Solutions helps practices like yours streamline dental billing and maximize collections. Schedule a consultation today to see how outsourced dental billing with eAssist can support your team and boost your bottom line.
