THE EDITOR'S CORNER
An accident or a moment of carelessness can mean a surprisingly high expense for patients who are charged the full cost of replacing retainers. Worse than the momentary distress, though, are the negative feelings that can be translated into a permanently poor relationship with the practice-- resulting in lost rapport and sometimes poor compliance with treatment or financial arrangements.
To solve this problem, I have developed the "Kurz Assurance Program", an easily administered self-insurance plan that spreads the risk of retainer replacement over the practice as a whole, saving individual patients from financial hardship.
The program covers the cost of replacement when a retainer is lost, damaged, or excessively worn (not to be confused with regular retainer adjustments). A yearly premium enrolls the patient in the program.
For example, the premium might be $35 a year. An enrolled patient would be charged $50 per retainer ($100 for a pair), including three visits to fit and adjust the replacement retainer. A nonenrolled patient would pay the full cost-- up to $150 per retainer.
The premiums defray administrative costs and pay the costs of retainer replacements and associated visits for the entire enrolled group. If enrollment is large, the program can incidentally provide a significant cash-flow benefit for the practice.
In my office, the K Assurance Program is maintained on a computer. A form letter ( Fig. 1) and enrollment card (Fig. 2) are sent to all retention and removable appliance patients, inviting them to join the program. Enrollment records are set up with customized software that generates a renewal notice two months before expiration and a final reminder one month before expiration of the premium year.
The program could also be administered manually. Whatever system you use for recalls and check-ups can be adapted to notify patients when premiums are due.
A small administrative investment by your practice, and a small financial investment by your patients, can pay off in large benefits for both.
