Soft Pulls in Healthcare: A New Approach to Patient Financing

The cost of elective healthcare—think dental implants, orthodontic braces, dentures, LASIK eye surgery, or popular plastic-surgery “mommy make-overs”—rarely fits inside an insurance policy. 

For patients, that can mean thousands (sometimes tens of thousands) of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses. For providers, it can mean stalled treatment plans and lost revenue.

A new financing workflow built around soft credit pulls is changing that dynamic. By allowing practices to pre-qualify patients without harming their credit scores, soft pulls make it easy to match high-ticket treatments with affordable, transparent payment options.

Below, we explain how soft pulls work, why they are a natural fit for elective healthcare, and how doctors can weave them into in-house or third-party financing programs to boost acceptance rates and profitability.

What Is a Soft Pull?

A soft pull is a type of credit check that lets healthcare providers assess a patient's financial profile without affecting their credit score. Unlike hard pulls, which are typically linked to loan or credit card applications and can lower credit scores, soft pulls are non-invasive and used for early-stage prequalification.

Why this matters: Soft pulls give both patients and providers insight into financing eligibility without triggering a formal credit inquiry or requiring sensitive data like a Social Security number.

Elective Procedures & Typical Out-of-Pocket Costs in the U.S.

• LASIK: $1,500 – $4,000 per eyeDental implant (single): $3,000 – $7,000
• Braces (full set): $3,000 – $7,000
• Dentures (per arch): $1,800 – $6,500+, depending on materials
• Mommy makeover package: $9,000 – $20,000+ based on procedures combined 

When patients see these numbers, a 60-second soft pull that surfaces a realistic monthly payment can be the difference between “someday” and “schedule me.”

Why Soft Pulls Matter for Elective Care

Benefits for Patients

Benefits for Providers

• Faster case acceptance: Instant pre-qual keeps the conversation in-house, turning “I’ll think about it” into a signed treatment plan the same day.
• In-house plans done right: Credit insight lets you ask for an appropriate down payment, set terms that cover risk, and price financed cases slightly higher to protect margins—just like any bank would.
• Seamless third-party matching: If a patient isn’t a fit for your own plan, route them to a vetted lending partner on the spot.

Why Healthcare Leaders Should Embrace This Approach

Integrating soft credit checks can benefit providers operationally and strategically:

• Boost Approval Rates: Pre-qualification with soft pulls allows you to include more patients in the financing process, particularly those with borderline credit who might otherwise be excluded. This means more patients can access the care they need, improving satisfaction and retention. 
• Reduce Administrative Burden: Automating the credit check process not only saves valuable staff time but also significantly lowers the risk of manual errors. This streamlined approach lets your team focus more on patient care rather than paperwork. 
• Stay Competitive: Offering soft pull financing demonstrates a modern, patient-centric approach that sets your practice apart from competitors. By making the financing process easier and more inclusive, you show your commitment to meeting patients' needs. 
• Ensure Compliance and Security: Solutions like Soft Pull Solutions are designed to prioritize data security and adhere to strict regulatory standards. This ensures every credit check is handled with the highest level of care, offering both patients and providers peace of mind.

How the Technology Fits Into Your Workflow

The process typically follows these steps:

1. Patient Consent: Before proceeding, it’s important to ensure the patient agrees to the process. This can be done verbally, physically (using pen and paper), or with an electronic signature.
2. Credit Insight generated instantly: Once consent is obtained, the system quickly assesses the patient’s credit profile. This step provides an immediate snapshot of their financial standing, allowing you to see credit score, tradelines, payment history, debt, bankruptcies, and much more.
3. Financing Recommendations provided on the spot: Based on the credit insight, tailored financing options are presented to the patient right away, such as offering tailored options like:

• In-house financing – e.g., 25–40 % down, 6–18-month plan, slightly higher overall price.
• Third-party loan – direct the patient to a lender that can approve and fund quickly. This ensures they have clear, personalized choices to proceed with their treatment plan.

4. E-sign and Schedule: Ensure the patient electronically signs any necessary consent forms and confirms their procedure date before they leave the office. This step streamlines the process, avoids delays, and ensures everything is finalized, providing a smoother experience for both the patient and the clinic.

Take the Next Step Toward Simplified Patient Financing

Soft pulls are no longer a luxury—they’re a smart, scalable solution for patient-first financing. At Soft Pull Solutions, we offer secure, compliant technology that allows healthcare providers to evaluate patient credit without friction or risk.

Our platform is built to help you offer fast, friendly, and informed financing, improving your revenue cycle and enhancing the patient experience.
Schedule a free demo today and discover how Soft Pull Solutions can support your healthcare practice in delivering more accessible care.