Three Strategies to Keep Your Dental Insurance Claims from Ballooning in Accounts Receivable

Lack of Pre-authorization

Many dental insurance insurers require pre-authorization for specific treatments, particularly if they’re considered more extensive or costly. If you as a dentist perform a procedure that requires pre-authorization without obtaining it first, the insurance company will view that as grounds for rejection.

For example, you often need to get pre-authorization for major procedures such as crowns, bridges, and orthodontics. If you don’t get prior approval, the insurance company will deny the claim. In addition, each insurance provider has its own guidelines for pre-authorization. If you don’t follow these protocols, the claim will be denied, especially if you submit the claim before you get the authorization.

The answer? Your practices should check whether you need pre-authorization for specific procedures. If you keep current with your patient’s insurance requirements and get all necessary approvals before treatment, both your patient and your practice will be spared unexpected costs.