Good faith estimates can ease a patient's financial anxieties, but how will it affect dentistry as a business?
The No Surprises Act went into effect Jan. 1, making good faith estimates required for uninsured and self-pay consumers.
Below are two dentists' thoughts on good faith estimates:
Rick Mars, DDS. President of Dental Care Group (Miami): Transparency in any business transaction is paramount. As much as it is uncomfortable to discuss dentistry as a business for some, the business of dentistry cannot be avoided, as we have to pay our bills like everyone else. Good faith estimates of uninsured and self-pay patients is an attempt to add another level of transparency to dentistry. I do not feel this will discourage patients from moving forward with treatment, but on the contrary, it might encourage some patients to commence treatment when they can establish a budget and fit their treatment into their lifestyles.
Robert Baskies, DMD. Dentist at Dental Health Associates, P.A. Phillipsburg (N.J.): Good faith estimates help the practice. When they sign the estimate, they acknowledge that they understand treatment and they acknowledge that they know the cost. It eliminates any issues at the end of treatment. I never hear, "Doctor you never told [me] what you were doing and I didn't know the cost." This has happened to me. At this point, trust is lost. You may win the battle but lose the war.