What would be the best way to approach dentists about joining our provider list?
I’m working for a dental savings service, which is similar to a preffered provider organization. Basically we have dentists sign up with us and agree to give our members 30% off on dental costs. This is mutually beneficial because dentists get more customers and give them the 30% they’d give the customer anyway if they had insurance, and our members save money. We are working to expand this to Los angeles. What is the best way to approach a dentist to joining our provider list.
Write them a letter explaining how your service could increase their patient load. Point out the benefits to them, such as advertising and incentives (for them and their patients, such as free toothbrushes and other supplies). Give them statistics on their local area as to the number of people use YOUR service already. Point out specifics from their office that would set them apart from other providers on your current list that would help them get more patients, for example targeting an office that specializes in TMJ treatment in adults or an orthodontist’s office that specializes in adult treatment or one that does lingual braces — show the office how their office would be unique to having an assoication with your company. Point out how your company needs an office like theirs that specializes in "something" that many of the other offices on your list do not.
Write them a letter explaining how your service could increase their patient load. Point out the benefits to them, such as advertising and incentives (for them and their patients, such as free toothbrushes and other supplies). Give them statistics on their local area as to the number of people use YOUR service already. Point out specifics from their office that would set them apart from other providers on your current list that would help them get more patients, for example targeting an office that specializes in TMJ treatment in adults or an orthodontist’s office that specializes in adult treatment or one that does lingual braces — show the office how their office would be unique to having an assoication with your company. Point out how your company needs an office like theirs that specializes in "something" that many of the other offices on your list do not.
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I’m a bit confused about the 30% you say that dentists would give their patients with insurance anyways. If a dentist is out-of-network, he doesn’t have to give a patient any type of discount.
More and more dentists are getting out of being preferred providors for insurance companies, so many of them are finding other ways to get patients. They are using different advertising methods, such as local radio and newspapers, and are also relying on word of mouth and referrals. Many dentists won’t be convinced to sign up on your plan, simply so that you will refer patients to them.
I would suggest that you do as another person suggested and write them a detailed letter. Don’t call offices. When we get calls like yours, we usually don’t even let the person finish what they are saying before we say we arn’t interested. We also never pass on these messages to our doctor, because it comes across as soliciting. Also, don’t simply show up at an office. Nothing is more annoying than to be busy and have a "sales person" show up in your office wanting "a moment of your time." They are more likely to listen to you if it is through a letter.
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registered dental assistant for 11 yrs.