Knowledge Is CONTROL Another way to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to patients' insurance benefits is to educate patients and encourage them to come in to take advantage of their benefits throughout the year, not just at the end of the year with "use it or lose it" messaging. On a quarterly basis, reach out to patients and remind them they have benefits available. It seems in the fast-paced lives we lead, making time for dentistry is becoming less of a priority. Part of the dental teams' responsibilities is to make sure patients are aware of the necessity of ongoing dental care. Rather than reaching out to just hygiene patients, let's contact those patients who have not returned after comprehensive evaluations or treatment consultations. Schedule your software to send messages to these patients on a regular basis and invite them to return. One of your messages could include something like: "Remember the insurance benefits we discussed? They're waiting for you! Contact us today to set up your appointment." Your messaging should be clear (your benefits are ready and available) and confident (we're ready to make that appointment!) Insurance coordinators who feel good about the information they're sharing with patients will be better at their job. That confidence will show in their conversations and treatment presentations. The rule of thumb is that the plan you are discussing today could very well be completely different in one year's time. The flexible insurance coordinator will expect plan changes and be ready to communicate them to the patient and the team. The new norm is that the insurance industry is constantly changing. Your patients will expect you to navigate these changes and clearly communicate what it means to them. With confidence and clarity, your team can say to your patients, "I can help you with your benefits." ■ FREE FACTS, circle 23 on card dentaltown.com \\ AUGUST 2017 59http://www.dentaltown.com