The Smiles of Fort Myers team is committed to helping our patients make the most of their dental coverage. Navigating PPO plans can be complex, but with the right approach, you can maximize your benefits for optimal oral health. In this blog, we will share some tips on how to best use your PPO dental insurance at our office.
Understanding PPO Plans
PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plans offer participants the option of choosing any dentist. However, if selecting an in-network provider lower out-of-pocket costs and better benefit utilization. If you want to know if we are in-network with your plan, click here or call us at (239) 236-4475. If we are not in our network, we will help you maximize any out-of-network benefits that are available to you.
When using an in-network dentist, PPO plans typically cover 100% of preventive care. Preventive care includes regular check-ups, cleanings, and X-rays. We strongly recommend taking full advantage of these benefits, as they are essential for maintaining dental health. In addition, they prevent more costly restorative treatments such as fillings, crowns, and implants, down the line.
Making the Most of Annual Maximums
Most PPO plans have an annual maximum which resets each year. In other words, if you do not use your full benefit allotment you lose it at the end of the year. It’s important to find out if your plan has a maximum so you can plan your dental treatments to avoid unused benefits. As the end of the year approaches, you should check your maximum and, if you have remaining funds and need any covered work, schedule it so you don’t miss out.
Treatment Planning and Pre-Authorizations
For more extensive procedures, it’s important to plan ahead. At our Fort Myers office, we can help by providing treatment plans and getting pre-authorizations from your insurance. This not only confirms coverage but also provides clarity about any out-of-pocket costs.
Navigating Cosmetic and Orthodontic Coverage
While most PPO plans don’t cover cosmetic procedures, they may partially cover treatments with cosmetic benefits, like certain types of crowns. Orthodontic coverage varies, so check if your plan includes it and understand the extent of the benefits.
Coordinating Multiple Plans
If you have more than one dental insurance plan, we can assist in coordinating benefits. This could help reduce your out-of-pocket costs by getting coverage for treatment.
Conclusion
At Smiles of Fort Myers, we’re committed to helping our patients with PPO dental insurance plans get the most out of their benefits. Remember, preventive care is fully covered, plan your treatments within your annual maximum, and always check for orthodontic and cosmetic procedure coverage. By understanding and effectively utilizing your PPO plan, you can maintain excellent oral health without unnecessary financial strain.