Ep 12: Pre-Determinations: Helpful Tool or Pretty Delay?

They look official. They feel reassuring. Sometimes they are even confused with “pre-authorizations" (they are not the same!)But let’s be clear: predeterminations are just estimates.And when your team—and your patients—don’t understand that, the result is confusion, complaints, and sooo many avoidable write-offs.In this episode of The Truth Decay Podcast, Sara Baker and LaRae McMullen unpack the real purpose of pre-treatment estimates (aka predeterminations), and the process-wide impact they can have when misunderstood or misused.You’ll learn:The difference between predetermination (PPO) and preauthorization (DHMO)The pros and cons of using pre-ds—and when they actually helpWhy predeterminations are not a replacement for real insurance verificationThe four things every team member must explain when presenting an estimateWhy Targeted Appointment Verification often provides faster, better answersHow overusing pre-ds delays treatment, damages trust, and bloats your ARWhether you’re trying to reduce surprises for patients or streamline your financial conversations, this episode helps you separate helpful tools from harmful habits.🎧 Available on all major podcast platforms📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwh4bos-yJY📥 Download your free guides: • “Pros and Cons of Pre-Determinations” • “Four-Part Potential Financial Obligation Conversation Script” → thetruthdecaypodcast.com📩 Have a question? Email us at [email protected]🌐 Learn more at sddentalsolutions.com