Thinking About Going Out of Network? Here’s How to Do It Without Losing Your Patients

If you’re a dentist considering ending participation with one or more insurance plans, you’re not alone. Many providers are choosing to go out of network to take back control of their fees, reduce administrative headaches, and provide care without insurance-driven limitations.

But let’s be honest: the idea of dropping a plan can feel risky—especially when you’ve worked hard to build your patient base.

The good news? You can go out of network and retain many (if not most) of your patients. The key is planning, clear communication, and a smooth transition. Here’s how to do it.

1. Know Why You’re Leaving — and Be Ready to Explain It

Start by getting clear on why you’re choosing to go out of network. Common reasons include:

• Unsustainable reimbursement rates

• Delayed or denied claims

• Restrictions on treatment planning

• Administrative burden on your team

Understanding your reasons will help guide how you communicate the change to your team and your patients. You don’t need to overexplain, but being transparent builds trust.

2. Review Your Insurance Contracts

Before you make any announcements:

• Check the termination clause for each contract (most require 30–90 days’ notice).

• Confirm whether there are specific procedures for withdrawing from the network.

• Make a list of which patients are on each plan so you can prepare communications and conversations accordingly.

3. Plan Your Timeline and Transition

Give yourself and your team time to prepare. Here’s a simple timeline structure:

• 60–90 days before: Send termination notice to the insurance company.

• 30–60 days before: Prepare communication materials and train your team.

• 30 days before: Notify patients with letters and begin one-on-one conversations during appointments.

• Ongoing: Reinforce the value of your care, and offer support with submitting claims or understanding their new out-of-network coverage.

4. Communicate Clearly (and Compassionately) with Patients

This is the most important part of the transition. Many patients will assume that going out of network means they can’t see you anymore—but that’s often not true.

Create messaging that:

• Emphasizes continuity of care

• Explains that many plans still reimburse for out-of-network care

• Reassures patients that your team will help them navigate their benefits

• Highlights the quality of care, service, and relationships they already trust

📝 Best practices for patient communication:

• Send a letter or email to affected patients

• Post an FAQ on your website to explain what’s changing and why

• Equip your front desk with a script or talking points

• Consider a personalized phone call to high-value or long-term patients

5. Make It Easy for Patients to Stay with You

To retain as many patients as possible:

• Offer to submit claims as a courtesy even if you’re out of network

• Provide treatment estimates that include likely reimbursement

• Explain how patients can use their out-of-network benefits and possibly get reimbursed

• Reassure them that they can still use their insurance—you just aren’t contracted

If you offer membership plans or discounts for self-pay, this is a great time to highlight them.

6. Prepare Your Team

Make sure your team understands:

• How to explain the transition positively

• How to talk about out-of-network benefits without fear

• What tools and language to use to help patients feel confident staying with your office

Remember: if your team is confident, your patients will be too.

7. Focus on Value Over Price

Patients rarely leave a trusted dentist solely because of network status. They leave when:

• They’re surprised by unexpected costs

• They don’t understand their options

• They don’t see the value of staying

Now’s the time to double down on why patients choose you: the experience, the personalized care, the consistency, the results. Remind them that quality care is a long-term investment—and you’re committed to providing it.

Conclusion:

Leaving an insurance network is a big decision—but it doesn’t have to mean losing your patients. With the right strategy, clear communication, and strong systems in place, many practices actually become more profitable and more patient-centered after going out of network.

If you’re thinking about this transition and need support managing the billing side—from eligibility checks to patient education to out-of-network claims—I’d love to help. Contact me to learn how I can support your practice during (and after) the switch.