If you have ever planned an event, traveled with a tour package or eaten at an upscale – possibly abroad – restaurant, you’ve encountered the inevitable “prix fixe” or “à la carte” menu options. The first, a fixed-price selection which includes several choices within each course, is available within the set cost. However, if you want to deviate from those pre-determined menu items, you’re squarely into à la carte territory…with the accompanying, variable, price tag. Have you ever wondered why…and did you know this happens throughout a variety of businesses, professions and industries?!?
First, let’s go back to that menu analogy. If it’s the same venue, the same chefs, the same food, the same table settings, THE SAME, why can’t you mix-and-match…HMMMM? It all comes down to operational efficiency, following their particular accepted “best practices,” and yes, a net profit after many overhead and capital investments which may not be readily visible. Certain items are more cost-efficient to make and serve, with standard procedures already in-place for more popular dishes. Fluctuating market prices for items you hardly notice – if at all – along with actual availability and costs for the ingredients, must be accommodated in the bottom line. And, many components of preparing that particular banquet are not direct-billed, since they are just part of the service.
With this perspective, you can see how this easily translates across a wide swath of those you may do business with…including your dentist! An associate’s recent visit to their dentist sparked this thought. After taking an initial, then a second customized, impression for a new dental appliance, when checking out they asked if this visit would be billed to the insurance. The patient coordinator explained that there was no charge for these impressions! It was all included as part of the “finished project.”
If you think about it, the same holds true in a variety of situations. A shampoo is automatically included with your stylist. Back in the day, cleaning your windows and airing your tires was just part of the “service” at service stations. Medical offices either provide parking or validate for visits. Again, it’s all about the eventual outcome.
Now…if you JUST want a shampoo without the style, there WILL be a charge, or to park in a paid spot because it’s close to where you’re meeting a friend, you’re going to have to either pay for the spot OR pay a tow service to get your vehicle back! And we ALL know that “air” at a gas station is a paid DIY situation. The same holds true for different procedures or treatments in virtually all healthcare situations.
Billing codes – even if you don’t have or use insurance – are broken down into different components, each with its own exclusions, qualifiers and “sub-code” cost breakdowns. HOWEVER, all of that changes when a specific treatment or form of care is “bundled” (thank you, Flo) into one “prix fixe” procedure…such as our friend’s dental plate. Yes, those same services ARE available “a la carte” – and priced accordingly.
You JUST want X-rays? It’s all part of the grouped menu items for an exam, but SEPARATELY there will be a charge. Nothing else needed beside an impression? Again, included in the final pricing for the appliance, but you will pay for the time and materials used to create that one mold without the “finished product.” Those little bibs that keep your clothes tidy and dry are complimentary with literally every dental visit. You want a whole box of them? Sure…they cost X dollars.
Swabs, composite materials for fillings (not to mention that ultraviolet curing light), gauze, tooth polishing paste…all part of the “prix fixe” menu selections and included in your procedure. Of course, they CAN be billed and performed individually, but the cost WILL reflect the fact you went “à la carte” with your dental care. So, the next time you visit your dentist, remember how much IS included in that treatment and care you receive!