The hustle and bustle of the holidays are over and now it is the beginning of the new year. In your practice, this can mean a fresh new start but a lot of times it can mean the start of change. Many Dentists and Office Managers utilize the beginning of the year to brainstorm and execute new ideas to help grow the practice. Don’t stress! Just by implementing a few new ideas or changes can potentially benefit the practice.
Ask yourself, “Is my fee schedule current? When was the last time we updated the fee schedule?” Evaluating the fee schedule is important regardless if the practice is “in-network” with insurance companies or the practice is a fee-for-service practice. If the practice is “in-network” with an insurance company, it is important to make sure the practice fees match the fees that the insurance company has contracted due to the fact that these fees may change. If the practice, is a “fee-for-service” practice, evaluating the fees that the practice charges should be a yearly habit. The Dentist and/or Office Manager should make sure the fees are current and reflect Usual, Customary, and Reasonable (UCR) fees.
New year, new marketing! All the potential is out there to put the practice name out there and gain new patients. Many patients, during the beginning of the year, are looking for a dentist; either because they have new insurance, their benefits renewed, or they have decided it’s time to take care of their teeth. Regardless the reason, take a look at the practice’s current marketing strategy. If it’s time to try something new, look at local competitors and see what they are doing, imitation is the best form of flattery! You never know what new strategies that you can implement that can benefit your practice.
In the beginning of the year, checking in on the practice staff and the Doctor is important. Although this idea may seem logical, it can be overlooked. This simple idea is crucial due to the fact that these individuals that are the staff and the Doctor make up the practice itself. Hold a staff meeting to see how everyone is doing and take this opportunity to hear what the staff has to say. They may have great ideas for the practice and it will also give you the opportunity to implement those ideas or introduce yours. Furthermore, you can set the goals for the staff and the practice together.
If you are not checking in on your office every year, it is helpful to consider the ideas mentioned. possibilities are endless at the beginning of the year and it is important to set the tone of the practice for the year ahead. Each year brings a new opportunity to grow your practice whether it is internally or externally.
Sylvie Haber, Consultant
Sylvie first entered the dental field through her mother, who is a dentist. She grew up attending conferences and many dental meetings. Watching her mother’s passion and love of dentistry, Sylvie grew to love the profession as well.
After, she earned her MBA in Healthcare Administration from Loma Linda University. She completed the ADA ‘s Executive Program in Dental Management and also became a Fellow of the American Association of Dental Office Management.
Sylvie enjoys seeing dental offices thrive, become more productive and run smoothly under her guidance through management and coaching.
Sylvie can be reached at: sylvie@gtsgurus.com