So What’s a PPO Anyways?

Have you ever found yourself staring at your benefit card or booklet, completely confused and wondering where to begin to try and understand the fine print? Trust me, you are not alone! The biggest concern most new and existing patients have is, “Do you take my insurance”, which 99% of the time is followed by, “What is a PPO?” By definition, a PPO is an acronym for Preferred Provider Organization. What this means precisely is best described by telling you how a PPO benefit works:

• The “Network”: With each and every PPO benefit, dental or medical, there are lists of providers that have chosen to be in that particular network. By choosing to be in that network, the provider appears on that provider list for that particular benefit.
• So…Why Not? : Why doesn’t every provider choose to be in every network? Because when you choose to be in a network, you sign a contract agreeing to charge the fees that the insurance company privately decides are agreeable and customary in a process called maximum contract allowance. These fees vary between all the different benefit companies, so being in network with multiple companies can become quite confusing. Additionally, many providers prefer to keep the relationship between doctor and patient as clinically focused as possible. By keeping a focus on patient care, rather than having benefit companies dictate what is and is not covered, it allows the providers to do what they do best: provide their patients with the highest level of care.
• The Power of Choice! : The most significant and beneficial part of a PPO benefit is that it allows YOU to choose your provider, rather than having the insurance company choose for you depending on who signs a contract with them. Not only does this allow the patient to belong to a medical or dental practice who truly provides them with the best treatment options and skill, but it also prevents the patient from being confined to a small group of providers who are not meeting their needs either emotionally or clinically. Additionally, it preserves the relationship between doctor and patient, allowing them to discuss treatment based on necessity rather than paperwork and networks.

So most importantly, what does this all mean to you? If you happen to be or are looking to become one of our patients, we will not only accept any PPO dental benefit, but unlike other offices we will also take care of all claim submission and correspondence in efforts to help you maximize your annual benefits. At Cascades Center for Dental Health you can truly obtain the best of both worlds: Using your dental benefit to the utmost potential, and getting the highest level of care and hospitality available, anywhere!!!

Any further questions or explanation needed? Feel free to give me a call anytime to discuss your plan in more detail!