Secondary Dental Insurance and Write-Offs: How to Minimize Losses

Even with secondary insurance participation, dental offices may need to write off charges because:

• Secondary plans cover only a portion of fees.
• Patient owes the balance, which may exceed office fees.
• Annual maximums limit coverage; excess is patient responsibility.

Strategies to Reduce Write-Offs

• Verify benefits and maximums before treatment.
• Pre-authorize treatments likely to exceed maximums.
• Collect a deposit upfront.
• Write off uncollectible balances rather than pursuing indefinitely.

Proactive verification and financial policies protect practice revenue.