Delta Premier is often the last PPO plan dentists drop. But is keeping it truly strategic, or is it holding your practice back from its full potential?
Understanding Delta Premier's Position
Delta Premier historically offered higher reimbursement rates than Delta PPO. For many practices, this made it the most tolerable insurance plan to keep. However, the gap between Premier and PPO fees has narrowed in many markets, and the gap between Premier fees and true fee-for-service rates remains significant.
The Financial Analysis You Must Do
Before deciding, run the numbers specific to your practice. Calculate how many patients use Delta Premier, your average production per patient, and what you'd collect at your full fees versus the contracted rate. Factor in that not all patients will leave. Research shows that most practices retain 80 to 90 percent of their patients after dropping a PPO.
The Case for Dropping Delta Premier
Every discounted procedure represents lost revenue that could fund better technology, higher team compensation, more continuing education, and ultimately better patient care. If your practice has built strong patient relationships and delivers excellent clinical outcomes, your patients are likely staying because of you, not because of Delta Premier.
Making the Transition
If you decide to drop, do it strategically. Give patients plenty of notice. Help them understand they can still use their benefits as out-of-network. Have your team prepared with scripts that emphasize the quality of care and personal attention patients receive at your practice.
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