Hygiene Patient Communication Practice Scenarios

*** We are not in the business of trying to convince people to do something they don't want or to care about something they don't. If they don't care, then neither do we. We made a recommendation. They can either take it or leave it. No big deal. Remember: No judgment, no lectures, and no hassles.

SCENARIO 1:

You've seen a NP and recommended 6 month recalls and BW yearly.

PATIENT:

Does my insurance cover it?

"I'm not sure. Most insurance companies do cover it or at least a portion, but I can't tell you for sure. Worst case scenario it costs you $____. It’s really in your best interest to continue with 6-month checkups and cleanings to help catch things early should they present. Early detection can save hundreds if not thousands down the road. Are you ok with that?

Can you check my insurance?

"I'll give you the code and you can either call your insurance company or go online and check. Let's set you up for 6 months, check your insurance in the meantime, and then we'll talk about it again next time when you have your plan details."

My insurance covers exams every 9 months, I’d rather do that.

“I can appreciate it if you would like to stay within your insurance limitations. An option we could look at is having you in every 4.5 months for your cleaning with your check-up at every second visit to stay within your recall limitations. Would that be ok? In the meantime check your scaling units and we’ll review it again next time you’re in.

No thanks I want to come every “X” for my checkups and cleanings

"No problem! Ultimately it’s your decision, we are here to provide you with our professional recommendations and guidance. In the future, we might bring it up again if we see a need and to check if anything's changed on your end. If you're not interested, all you have to do is say so and we're all good!"