Free Calculator

PPO Write-Off Calculator

See exactly how much revenue your practice is losing to PPO insurance write-offs. Takes less than 60 seconds.

$
Your total annual collections from all sources
65%
What percentage of your patients use PPO insurance? The US average is ~65%.
42%
The average discount between your full fees and PPO-allowed amounts. US average is 42–45%.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are PPO write-offs?

PPO write-offs are the difference between your full (UCR) fees and the amount the PPO plan allows you to charge. If your fee for a crown is $1,200 but the PPO allows $720, the $480 difference is a "write-off" — revenue you can never collect.

How accurate is this calculator?

This calculator provides an estimate based on industry averages. Your actual write-offs may vary by plan, procedure mix, and region. For a precise analysis, review your actual fee schedules against your UCR fees. The calculator uses a simplified model — real-world results from practices in our community typically find the actual numbers are within 10-15% of this estimate.

Is the average write-off really 42-45%?

Yes. According to industry data and surveys of dental practices, the average PPO write-off ranges from 38-48%, with 42-45% being the most common range. Some plans (especially Delta Dental PPO) can have write-offs exceeding 50% for certain procedures.

Can I really drop PPO plans without losing all my patients?

Absolutely. Data from thousands of practices shows that when done strategically, most practices retain 70-90% of their patients after dropping a PPO plan. The key is proper communication, timing, and having an alternative like an in-house membership plan. Our community has extensive resources on exactly how to do this.

Should I drop all my PPO plans at once?

No — that's rarely recommended. The strategic approach is to start with the plan that has the worst reimbursement rates and the fewest patients. This minimizes risk while building confidence and refining your process. Most practices phase out plans over 12-36 months.