Do I Need a Treatment Coordinator?

Lately we have had many offices discuss if having a dental treatment coordinator is the right thing for their office.  So, let’s break it down!

What is a treatment coordinator? 

A treatment coordinator is someone that essentially works towards having zero patients with incomplete treatment.  They are responsible for “closing” cases and working the unscheduled treatment list in an effort to not have any patients with unscheduled treatment. The treatment coordinator must know how to present treatment. Most importantly, they should be competent and confident when talking to patients (allowing them to establish trust with patients much faster).  

What is the difference between a treatment coordinator and a financial coordinator?

A financial coordinator is someone that manages actions needed to collect money. In short, this may include things like submitting insurance claims, verifying benefits, calculating patient due amounts, working the accounts receivable report as well as the outstanding insurance report, sending statements and collecting over the counter payments.  

A financial coordinator is an administrative position where a treatment coordinator is a sales position (someone responsible for creating revenue).  

How do I know if I need a treatment coordinator?

• Are doctors spending too much time in rooms “selling” cases resulting in your schedule running behind? 
• Is it hard to keep up with patients that have un scheduled treatment? 
• Do you find doctors rushing to get from room to room?
• Are patients leaving without all their questions answered?

If the answer is yes to any of these you likely are in a position where case acceptance rates are dropping hence hiring a treatment coordinator may be the right move.