HIPAA training helps dental offices stay in compliance with federal and state regulations for patient rights while also providing their staff with invaluable knowledge about how to properly handle sensitive data.

Tips For HIPAA And OSHA Training For Dental Offices

HIPAA privacy rule training teaches staff the policies and procedures necessary to protect patient privacy as well as how to use technology securely. OSHA training helps staff understand workplace safety, hazardous materials and how to handle medical emergencies. Together, these two types of training can help a dental office maintain their legal obligation while keeping employees and patients safe.

Here are some tips for implementing HIPAA and OSHA training at your dental office:

• Ensure that all staff members receive appropriate and up-to-date training on privacy protocols so that they understand their responsibilities regarding the handling of confidential patient information.
• Create detailed policies outlining the steps needed to be taken if a breach or violation occurs so that everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency.
• Establish regular trainings about hazardous materials, including proper use of protective equipment when handling them.
• Make sure staff members undergoing medical procedures such as x-rays are aware of the potential risks associated with being exposed to radiation.
• Train all personnel on how to respond appropriately in medical emergencies.

Know the Most Common HIPAA and OSHA Citations and Violations

Knowing the most common HIPAA and OSHA citations and violations is important in order to ensure that your office remains in compliance with the law. HIPAA citations and violations can result in costly fines, while OSHA violations can result in serious safety issues for both patients and employees.

It’s critical that staff members have a thorough understanding of the most common HIPAA and OSHA citations and violations so that they can avoid them. Here are some of the most common citations and violations to be aware of:

• HIPAA: Failure to protect patient medical records or accounts for lost or stolen records, not implementing adequate measures for preventing improper access or disclosure of confidential information, transmitting protected health information over unsecured communications channels.
• OSHA: Failing to provide proper safety equipment or instruction in case of emergency, exposing employees to hazardous substances, not properly labeling chemicals or materials used in the office.

By staying aware of these common HIPAA and OSHA citations and violations, your dental office can remain compliant with legal requirements while also protecting patient privacy and employee safety.

How Does Your Dental Office Compliance Check Out?

Having a compliance check-up can help your dental office assess its current level of compliance and make any necessary adjustments. Here are some steps you can take to make sure your dental office is compliant:

• Review current policies and procedures related to HIPAA and OSHA regulations. Make sure all staff members are trained correctly.
• Assess any changes in technology used by the office in order to ensure that system security measures remain up to date.
• Check if records were accurately kept throughout the year so that information can be easily accessed if an audit occurs.
• Look into potential violations or noncompliance issues reported by staff members or other parties, such as complaints filed against the office with the Department of Health or OSHA.

Risks Of Not Being HIPAA Compliant

Failure to comply with HIPAA can result in severe monetary, legal and reputational consequences. Here are some of the risks of not being in HIPAA compliance:

• Fines: Noncompliance with HIPAA can result in hefty financial penalties, including civil and criminal penalties levied by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The amount of the fine depends on the type and severity of violation, but it can reach up to $1.5 million per incident.
• Legal action: Noncompliance with HIPAA can also lead to costly lawsuits from both patients whose information was mishandled as well as government agencies that monitor compliance.
• Reputational damage: Patients may become reluctant to trust a dental office that has been associated with a privacy breach or other mishandling of personal information.

Using A Practice Management Consultant

Having a dental practice management consultant on board can help minimize the risks of noncompliance by ensuring that staff members understand and adhere to HIPAA regulations. Here are some of the benefits of using a dental practice management consultant for HIPAA compliance training:

• A comprehensive approach: Dental practice management consultants are experts in their field and have a deep understanding of HIPAA regulations. They can help create a comprehensive plan for your dental office to ensure staff are properly trained and up to date on all HIPAA requirements.
• Hands-on guidance: A consultant can provide hands-on guidance to individual staff members as needed, helping them understand complex HIPAA regulations and how they apply to their day-to-day work at the office.
• Time savings: Using a consultant to train your staff can save time as they will know exactly what needs to be done in order to comply with all necessary regulations.

Practice Management Consultant Near Me

Here are some of the reasons why dental practices should use Adams Dental Consulting for HIPAA security rules training:

• Experience: Adams Dental Consultant has been providing dental practice management and HIPAA training services to customers for years. This experience enables us to provide comprehensive, up-to-date guidance on all aspects of HIPAA compliance.
• In-depth knowledge: Our team at Adams Dental Consultant includes experts in practice management who have an in-depth understanding of HIPAA regulations. This means that we can provide up-to-date advice and insights into how your dental office can remain compliant.
• Individualized solutions: Adams Dental Consulting will work with you to develop a customized plan that meets the specific needs of your dental office. They will keep up with any changes to applicable laws or regulations so that you don’t have to worry about staying compliant.

Adams Dental Consulting is the right choice for comprehensive, individualized HIPAA program. With our experienced team and in-depth knowledge, we are dedicated to helping business associates at dental practices protect patient privacy. HIPAA privacy and OSHA requires dental practices to be up to date on the latest regulations, let us take care of that for you!

The post Why You Should Get HIPAA/OSHA Training At Your Dental Office appeared first on Adams Dental Consulting.

Coding must match up with the procedures and services rendered. Because all dental office staff members work closely together, clinicians and nonclinical staff with a grasp of the nomenclature can help ensure dental procedures align with reporting. As an added benefit, this enhances the patient experience. During consultations and when billing questions arise, staff members can better describe and inform patients about procedures and insurance coverage before they move forward with a course of treatment.

As many dental insurance plans focus on preventative care, patients can lose sight of a comprehensive perspective that is more attuned to their individual needs. Coding correctly makes it possible to inform patients that coverage does not always align with the patient’s diagnosis. By simply following the roadmap set forth by dental insurance, patients might face steeper costs and more extensive dental treatment down the road.

Dental specialists and other staff members can be at the forefront of informing patients as early as possible about the next steps, ensuring better treatment outcomes.

Streamlining dental office operations comes naturally when everyone is up to speed on all dental terminology and on the same page with coding. When everyone is equipped with these skills, teams can expect greater consistency, effective dialogue between front and back desks and an overall workflow that has a positive impact on morale and, in turn, patient care.

For staff members who enter treatment plans, here are some highlights on the common restorative codes relating to hygiene therapy they should know about:

D1110: Prophylaxis (adult)

• Preventative and treatment for generalized slight gingivitis
• Procedure scales and polishes all surfaces at the coronal or the cementoenamel junction
• Removal of plaque, stains and calcified dental plaque
• Prophy could be supra based on marginal tissue descriptions

D1120: Prophylaxis (child)

• Removal of stains and calcified dental plaque
• Codes for prophy are dentition-specific, but age is a factor
• Child could be removed from this status upon absence of deciduous teeth

D4346: Scaling, presence of generalized moderate or severe gingival inflammation

• Removal of plaque, stains and calcified dental plaque in patient with swelling, bleeding and inflamed gums and related symptoms
• No age limit; for permanent, primary or transitional dentition
• Therapeutic
• Based on diagnosis
• Unrelated to level of difficulty

D4355: Full mouth debridement

• Preliminary and superficial removal of plaque and calcified dental plaque
• Used for removal of deposits that interfere with completion of successful comprehensive oral exam
• Second visit typically required

D4910: Periodontal maintenance

• Therapeutic procedure
• Follows scaling, root planning, gingival surgery or osseous surgery
• Ongoing
• Re-care intervals
• When insurance limits are met, reporting must be continuous
• Complete documentation can outline steps that follow a denial and show alternate benefit of prophylaxis
• Patients with history of periodontal disease but are not actively showing symptoms, and have no history of scaling and root planning, osseous or flap surgery, can fall under D1110 code

Dental professionals uphold their obligations to ensure medical accuracy and efficiency when they follow proper coding procedures. The benefits are not just about administrative efficiency; it’s also a tool to put patients at ease about their care and how it’s paid for.

With a basic understanding and with the aid of the American Dental Association CDT book, dental professionals can take part in meaningful dialogue in everyday interactions with their teams, promoting office efficiency and enhancing patient care.

If you are looking for help with remote billing for your dental practice, contact us today to learn about our preferred partner.

The post Five dental codes hygienists should know appeared first on Adams Dental Consulting.

Unfortunately, some claim denials cannot be avoided, but it doesn’t mean that the dental office should immediately give up – there are ways to minimize potential denial rates, which can help to reduce stress and improve efficiency within the practice.

One of the main ways is by using a remote dental billing service. Let’s take a deeper look.

Common Issues That Lead To Insurance Claim Denials

Here are some of the common issues that lead to dental insurance claim denials.

Coding Inaccuracies: One of the most common causes of denied claims is incorrect coding due to human error or lack of understanding when it comes to coding. Practices should ensure they use the most up-to-date ICD, CPT, and HCPCS codes when submitting claims in order to reduce the chances of incorrect coding causing a denial.

Incomplete Information: When submitting a claim, it is essential that all required fields are completed accurately and completely. If any pertinent information is missing from a claim, it can cause it to be denied. To prevent this from happening, practices should make sure all relevant information, including diagnosis codes and patient information is included in every claim submission.

Outdated Provider Information: Insurance companies may require updated provider information each year. Practices should take care to update this annually in order to ensure their claims will not be denied due to stale provider data on file with most insurance companies.

Incorrect Reimbursement Rates: It’s possible for an office’s reimbursement rates from an insurance carrier to change year over year leading to claims being denied due to incorrect fees based on outdated rates. Practices should request copies of their current fee schedules annually, so they know precisely what rate they need to submit with their claims in order avoid rejections due to incorrect fees.

Solve These Issues With Dental Remote Billing Services

Dental practices often struggle with denied claims, which can lead to frustration and stress for front office staff. To help combat these issues, many practices are turning to remote billing services as a way to streamline the insurance claim process and reduce the potential for denial.

Using a remote billing service can help dental practices minimize a denied claim situation resulting in less frustration and better experiences for both patients and billing staff alike!

Having skilled professionals on hand who can accurately code documents, get preauthorization and double check them for completeness can go a long way toward reducing the risk of denial from health insurers when submitting your next claim!

Quicker Payments

Remote billing services provide an efficient, accurate and cost-effective solution that can help you get paid faster by health insurance companies.

One of the main benefits of using remote billing services is their ability to accurately code patient documents prior to submission to the insurance company. These experts have up-to-date knowledge of current codes and regulations, so they can ensure all paperwork is coded correctly before submitting it. This will prevent rejections due to coding errors, which could significantly reduce payments delays.

Ledgers Are Kept Updated

Keeping patient ledgers accurate and up to date is essential for dental practices to ensure they receive their full payment from insurance companies. That’s why many are turning to remote dental billing services which provide accurate, efficient and cost-effective solutions that can help them keep their patient ledgers up to date.

One of the main benefits of using remote dental billing services is their ability to accurately post payments and adjustments from EOBs (Explanation of Benefits) and EFTs (Electronic Funds Transfer) to patient ledgers. Remote billers have expertise in coding and insurance regulations, so they’ll be able to correctly code each claim prior to sending it off to the insurance company. This prevents rejections due to incorrect coding with a health plan or other errors, which could delay payments – often significantly.

Claims Are Tracked

Remote billing services provide an efficient, accurate and cost-effective solution that can help you make sure all your insurance claims are tracked. This is especially important when tracking claims older than 30 days as these may require additional research and action to be taken depending on their status.

One of the main benefits of using remote billing services is their ability to accurately track all claims from start to finish. They will enter all patient information and other relevant data required for submission into the practice management software prior to submitting it to the insurance company. This attention to detail helps prevent rejections due to incomplete or inaccurate information resulting in quicker payments from insurance companies down the road.

Free Up Staff Time

Remote billing services provide a cost-effective and efficient solution to help free up staff resources. By taking the tediousness of insurance claims processing off your plate, you can keep the focus on increasing revenue flow and providing exceptional care for your patients.

Using a remote billing service is an excellent way for dental practices stay on top of freeing up staff resources while at the same time taking advantage of better payment times due to fewer mistakes with coding or incorrect information being submitted!

A Dental Remote Billing Company Near Me

Adams Dental Consulting works with a preferred partner that offers unparalleled remote dental billing services designed to maximize your collections and free up staff resources. We provide comprehensive and efficient processes designed to enable you to focus on providing exceptional care for your patients while at the same time increasing revenue flow.

The team at Adams Dental Consulting utilizes a combination of technology and extensive industry knowledge to deliver top-notch services to healthcare professionals. Our state-of-the-art software enables us to accurately track all claims from start to finish, including entering patient information such as name, date of birth, address, etc., diagnosis codes, procedure codes and other relevant data required for submission into the practice management software prior to submitting it off to the insurance company – helping ensure that any rejections due to incomplete or inaccurate information are avoided.

Adams Dental Consulting also double checks all paperwork for accuracy before submission and remain up to date with current coding and regulations so we can properly code documents prior to submission. This helps healthcare providers avoid rejections due to coding errors, which can significantly reduce delays in getting paid.

We take care of keeping track of all insurance claims over 30 days old by researching them and documenting details in the practice management software. This helps reduce the amount of time spent on monitoring unpaid claims and allows for faster resolution of overdue invoices – resulting in increased collections.

By using Adams Dental Consulting’s preferred partner for remote dental billing solutions, you can trust that you will receive a superior level of service at an affordable cost – enabling you to focus your attention on providing exceptional care while still achieving maximum return on investment in terms of collections. Avoiding claims denials is our mission!

Contact us today to learn about our preferred partner.

The post Reasons A Denial Of Claim May Occur In A Dental Practice appeared first on Adams Dental Consulting.

This remote dental billing system also helps health care providers and front office staff save time and money, which can be passed on to patients in the form of lower fees.

Faster Processing

Remote dental billing allows health care providers to submit claims electronically, reducing paperwork, speeding up the claims process and helping reduce stress in general. This means that patients can expect to receive their reimbursements in a timely manner, improving their overall experience.

Remote dental billing also leads to fewer errors being made due to the automated nature of the system and improved communication between providers and patients as they have access to up-to-date information. Additionally, with remote dental billing services, it is less likely for claims to be lost or delayed due to paperwork issues in dental offices.

Patients can benefit from increased transparency when it comes to their medical records, knowing that all information is safely stored in the cloud at all times, and stays HIPPA compliant. From the convenience of home, they can complete insurance claims forms and payment notifications which would otherwise need to be manually filled out.

Remote dental billing brings many advantages both in terms of efficiency and customer satisfaction, making it an invaluable tool for any dental practice.

Reduced Errors

Automation of dental billing is an effective way to reduce errors and streamline the claims process. By automating this process, manual inputs are eliminated, meaning that mistakes and inaccuracies in paperwork can be avoided.

A key benefit of this type of automation is that it reduces the amount of time needed to complete a claim form. This leads to improved communication between providers and patients as they have access to up-to-date information with fewer delays.

Additionally, as all dental practice data is stored securely in the cloud, there is less chance for physical paperwork to get lost or damaged, further reducing the risk of errors.

Not only does dental billing lead to reduced errors, but also cost savings from reduced administrative costs – these savings can be passed on to patients. In short, automation of dental billing provides an efficient and cost-effective solution for both dentists and patients alike.

Better Communication

Outsourcing dental billing offers providers a secure, efficient and cost-effective way to manage their claims process. By being able to access all necessary data in one place, dental billing service providers can quickly answer any questions that their patients may have and provide accurate billing information. Additionally, as all data is securely stored in the cloud, it is easy for dental office providers to quickly contact patients if they need additional information or updates.

Remote dental billing also makes it easier for dental offices to submit claims electronically, meaning there is less manual inputting that could lead to mistakes being made.

Fewer Lost Claims

Remote dental billing is a secure, cost-effective and efficient way for dentists to submit claims. By submitting claims electronically, the risk of them going missing or being delayed due to paperwork problems is greatly reduced.

The automated system also helps to ensure accuracy when filing claims by eliminating manual input errors. This reduces discrepancies between claims and reimbursement processes which leads to fewer payments being denied or delayed.

Remote dental billing provides an up-to-date view of patient information that can be accessed by dental teams quickly and easily, meaning they can provide a higher level of service to their patients.

In short, remote dental billing virtually eliminates the risk of lost claims and helps improve efficiency while providing cost savings – making it a win-win situation for both patients and providers alike.

Improved Transparency 

Electronic Medical Records (EMR) provide patients with an easy and secure way to view their health care information. It enables them to stay informed about their treatments and costs without needing to contact their provider’s office.

EMRs provide up-to-date records to patients that can be accessed at any time, making it easier for them to track their progress over time. This helps improve patient engagement while allowing them to easily review billing information and understand how care is being carried out.

Providers can also use EMRs to keep better track of patient records and share them with other healthcare providers if necessary. This improves the transparency of treatment plans and reduces the risk of errors or mistakes due to miscommunication.

Secure Data Storage

Remote dental billing systems provide an extra level of security for patient data, ensuring that it is stored safely and securely in the cloud at all times. By choosing to store information in the cloud, providers can avoid potential data breaches or theft due to physical hardware failure.

The cloud offers increased encryption measures for added security, such as encryption keys used to secure data both in transit and when stored in the cloud. This helps to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access, limiting the risk of a data breach while also allowing only authorized users to view patient information.

In addition, remote dental billing systems offer real-time monitoring of all activities to detect any suspicious activity or abnormal behavior. This helps protect patient data from malicious attacks and provides another layer of security against potential threats.

To sum up, remote dental billing systems provide an extra level of security for patient data by using advanced encryption methods and real-time monitoring – making them a reliable choice for those needing strong data protection measures.

Convenience 

Remote dental billing makes it easier and more convenient for patients to handle their dental care. It allows procedures such as filling out insurance claims forms and receiving payment notifications to be completed from the comfort of home.

With a remote dental billing company, patients can access their records and manage their payments without having to visit the practice. This eliminates the need for paperwork to be physically exchanged and reduces wait times for processing payments.

The ability to process payments through remote dental billing also eliminates the risk of lost or stolen checks, making it much easier for both providers and patients to track payments promptly.

Cost Savings

Outsourced dental billing is an effective tool for saving money on administrative costs. By eliminating paper claims and manual filing processes, helps to reduce overhead expenses and passes savings on to patients.

Using remote dental billing also eliminates the need for additional staff to handle the paperwork. Since most data can be managed electronically, fewer resources are needed for managing and processing payments. This reduces labor costs as well as operational costs associated with maintaining a physical office space.

What’s more, remote dental billing helps streamline the entire payment process, making it easier and faster for doctors and patients alike to stay informed of all their financial transactions in real time. This helps save time and money while still providing the same level of service that patients have come to expect from their dental team.

Increased Accessibility

Remote dental billing provides an innovative way to improve accessibility when it comes to managing payments. By allowing patients to access their records and manage their payments from any location with an internet connection, it eliminates the need to travel to a physical office – making dental care more convenient and accessible than ever before.

Using remote dental billing also reduces paperwork, since data can be managed electronically. This cuts out the need for manual filing processes and limits the amount of time needed for processing payments.

In addition, remote dental billing offers greater security when it comes to managing payments. Overall, remote dental billing improves the patient experience by increasing accessibility while providing secure and efficient payment solutions.

Reduced Wait Times

Remote dental billing is an innovative way to reduce wait times when it comes to processing payments. By eliminating the need for paperwork to be physically exchanged, helps streamline the payment process and makes it more efficient overall.

Using remote dental billing also eliminates manual filing processes, allowing both and patients to stay informed of all their financial transactions in real-time – which helps them stay up to date with the status of payments. This reduces wait times significantly and helps make the entire process smoother and more manageable than ever before.

Contact us today to learn about our preferred partner.

The post 10 Ways Remote Billing Services Create A Better Patient Experience appeared first on Adams Dental Consulting.

Myth 1: Dental offices handle their own billing 

This is at the top of our list of common dental myths for a reason! Many dental offices are under the impression that all billing must be handled in-house to remain compliant and minimize administrative costs. On the contrary, outsourcing your billing to a third-party provider can help reduce headaches and free up resources for patient care. Here’s why:

Third-Party Providers Are Cost Effective

Outsourcing your billing to an established third-party provider ensures you have access to experienced professionals who can provide services at a much lower cost than creating and maintaining an in-house team. These experts can help with coding, reimbursement, collections, accounts receivable and more.

Having access to these experts not only saves you money but can also increase your practice’s cash flow.

Reduce Administrative Workload

Third-party providers also offer automated processes that can save time by cutting down on manual data entry and streamlining the billing process. By taking away most of the administrative burden involved with handling your own billing, you’ll have more time to devote to providing better patient care.

Additionally, since many third-party providers offer customer support 24/7, you won’t need to worry about having an extra staff member present when problems arise.

Increased Security

Outsourcing billing gives you peace of mind knowing that your patients’ sensitive health information is safe from potential data breaches or other security issues that could arise if it was handled in-house. Many third-party providers have stringent security protocols in place that protect both patient privacy and office records from unauthorized access or misuse.

Myth 2: Digital billing is difficult to set up and manage 

This very common one is next on our list of dental myths. The modern world has gone digital, so it’s no surprise that dental practices are increasingly turning to digital billing as a way to save time, money and resources. While some may think that switching to a digital system will be too difficult or expensive, the opposite is true: with the right provider, setting up and managing digital billing can be quick and easy. Here’s why:

Simplified Onboarding Process

A good digital billing provider should have an onboarding process that’s straightforward and efficient, making it easy for your practice to transition from paper filing or manual data entry into a full-fledged digital billing system. You should expect complete training on how the system works.

Real-Time Accessibility

With the right setup, you won’t have to wait until the end of the month to reconcile accounts when using a digital billing service; all financial information is available in real-time so you can make quicker decisions about patient accounts and days receivable.

Additionally, most of these services offer mobile access so you can keep track of payments even when away from your office.

Increased Flexibility and Automation

Digital billing systems are much more flexible than standard paper forms, allowing you to customize invoices and payment plans according to individual patient’s needs. Many modern systems come with features like automated payment reminders that take care of administratively mundane tasks for you without having to manually remind every patient about their bill each month.

Myth 3: It’s impossible to reduce administrative costs associated with billing

It is possible to reduce administrative costs associated with billing. In fact, there are many strategies that dental practices can implement to achieve this goal. Some methods include:

Outsourcing Services

Outsourcing services to a third-party provider can drastically reduce costs since you don’t have to pay for overhead expenses like software and equipment.

Additionally, these providers are experienced professionals who are up to date on reimbursement, coding and collections so you won’t have to hire additional staff for those tasks.

Automated Processes

Utilizing digital systems for billing also comes with many added benefits such as automated processes for data entry and payment reminders that can save time and money without sacrificing accuracy or efficiency.

This technology frees your team from manually entering patient information multiple times and allows more time to be devoted to patient care while simultaneously cutting down on overall administrative workloads.

Reduce Personnel Costs

By reducing personnel costs through outsourcing or automation, you’ll be able to free up resources that can be shifted toward other parts of the practice — like improving patient care or increasing marketing efforts.

So, there are numerous strategies practices of all sizes can implement to cut down on administrative costs associated with billing without sacrificing accuracy or efficiency when it comes to getting paid for services rendered.

Find a remote dental billing company near me

Adams Dental Consulting works with a preferred partner who is committed to providing dental practices with quality remote billing services. Our experienced team has helped numerous practices streamline their billing process and improve cash flow. Other benefits:

• Onboarding assistance
• Mobile access
• Web-based system
• Automated payment reminders
• Real-time financial visibility
• Flexible payment plans customized to patients’ needs

Thanks for reading our common dental myths and facts for dental practices. If you are in need of dental practice management help, please contact us to learn about our preferred partner.

The post 3 Dental Billing Myths You Should Avoid To Get Your Practice Running Smoothly appeared first on Adams Dental Consulting.

The American Dental Association’s 2023 CDT procedure codes and nomenclature, which are available here, list and aid dental offices with better record keeping, claim processing and timely reimbursements. The updated codes and descriptors, along with companion material that features a list of frequently asked coding questions and scenarios, are indispensable resources within dental offices.

In total, there are 29 new codes, 14 revisions and two omissions. The changes go into effect on Jan. 1, 2023.

This year’s code updates and revisions impact the following:

• Procedure codes for intraoral full mouth series
• Tissue regeneration and documenting delivery to natural tooth, implant or edentulous area
• Removal of non-resorbable membrane
• HPV vaccination reporting
• Imaging codes for emerging practices
• 3D dental and facial surface scanning procedures
• Revisions to descriptions for periodontics and oral and maxillofacial surgery, among others

Updates to the CDT Code were approved by the American Dental Association Code Maintenance Committee earlier in 2022. The committee worked diligently on updates that reflect the preferences of dental professionals and third-party payers.

Some of the codes, such as those designated for COVID-19 vaccination, already went into effect while the others kick in at the start of 2023. CDT coding and nomenclature are the copyright of the American Dental Association and a trademark of the association. The American Dental Association is the definitive authority for CDT, an indispensable 192-page guide for everyday dental business operations.

Adhering to CDT codes is paramount for dentists to provide the highest quality of care for their patients. CDT codes are widely recognized guidelines that allow dentists to accurately diagnose and treat dental conditions, ensuring that the treatments meet modern standards of care. The codes also provide a framework for staying up to date with the latest developments in both technology and treatment options, so that dentists can remain compliant with government regulations and ensure the safety of their patients. Following these protocols helps to protect both the dentist and the patient from potential liability in case of an adverse event or misdiagnosis. Ultimately, utilizing CDT codes provides an additional layer of safety that ensures dentists are offering the best possible care for their patients.

Adams Dental Consulting assists dental practices with customized and comprehensive strategies that help them reach their goals of operating and patient care excellence. With the upcoming changes to CDT, we are available to answer any questions about software updates and other necessary preparation that should be taken heading into the new year.

Whether it’s helping implement a new set of procedure codes or supporting the team with remote billing, our clients’ success is our passion. Adams Dental Consulting is here to empower dental offices to do what they do best – care for patients. We help optimize operations and set into motion dental practices’ vision for excellence in patient care and internal operations.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your practice in crafting a comprehensive plan. Together, we can ensure the entire team has the confidence to continually reach your dental practice’s mission of always providing the highest level of care.

The post CDT code changes to know for 2023 appeared first on Adams Dental Consulting.

Medi-Cal patients and dental professionals acquired the following benefits:

• Simplified online enrollment process
• Risk assessment bundle in alignment with national care standards
• More time to carry out services on patients with special needs
• Lab-processed crowns
• Assistance with case management for patients with complex medical needs
• Student loan repayment for dentists who commit to treating Medi-Cal patients

Under the new dental care options, dentists can now treat eligible patients, including people with disabilities and children under the age of seven with silver diamine fluoride, a major tool for combating cavities. Dental offices report positive outcomes and dental health improvements in their patients because of the Medi-Cal enhancements, which have been in effect for almost a year.

The Medi-Cal Dental Program serves nearly 15 million Californians and enrollment increases remain strong, particularly as the state recovered from the pandemic. Between 2017 and 2019, dentists performed an additional 100,000 preventative services to patients new to Medi-Cal.

Here’s a snapshot of CalAIM’s added benefits:

CalHealthCares expands access to dental care through incentives for dentists and physicians who pledge to serve Medi-Cal beneficiaries. Dentists are eligible for up to $300,000 in student loan repayment for five years of service. Grants are also available to practices that agree to a 10-year service commitment.

Additionally, Medi-Cal enrollment moves much more efficiently under the changes.

Providers can complete the patient-enrollment process entirely online through the Provider Application and Validation for Enrollment, which launched in October. The caries risk assessment bundle is added to help assess and manage caries risk and boost preventive care services among the youngest patients up to the age of six.

Dentists treating Medi-Cal patients have more time to render services, through a change in procedure criteria for the treatment of patients with special needs. Eligible patients include people with physical, developmental, behavioral or emotional conditions that at times hinder their ability to receive thorough care.

Patients 21 years and older are eligible for specific laboratory-made crowns on posterior teeth in cases to preserve normal tooth function.

Medi-Cal patients who must see multiple physicians and undergo multiple courses of treatment can receive help in coordinating their complex medical plans through the Medi-Cal expansion. Medi-Cal dental providers initiate referrals for case management services.

The Department of Health Care Services is a good resource to learn more details about how CalAIM is improving public health through benefit gains and incentives.

Dentists who have any questions about these expanded benefits are encouraged to contact us. We are always ready to help.

The post Patient treatment options expand under new Medi-Cal program appeared first on Adams Dental Consulting.

The emergency workplace law, SB 1044, will go into effect in January 2023. It also protects workers from employers who limit their access to cell phones and other communications devices during work hours. Employers cannot prevent staff from using their communications devices during emergencies to seek help or check on conditions and the well-being of others.

The law determines that an eligible emergency condition is a disaster or dangerous situation brought upon by nature or criminal action that puts a person’s safety at risk. For example, a California wildfire would qualify under the new law. An evacuation during a wildfire emergency also triggers the employee workplace safety law. However, a health pandemic does not qualify.

Simply stated, employees who feel unsafe at their workplace will be protected during an eligible emergency. Given a reasonable belief of the risks of death or serious injury and the circumstances known to them, California says that is enough to enshrine enhanced employee protections during times of crisis. Once the emergency conditions end, employee protection is no longer in effect.

Dental offices can get ahead of the new workplace regulations by updating their absence policy, so it aligns with employee protections. Policies should state when exceptions to attendance will be granted per the new emergency guidelines.

If you need any guidance about this topic we are here for you. Our team offers everything from performance coaching, to case acceptance training, to OSHA and HIPAA compliance training. We know your practice is successful if your team is succeeding daily. We want your operations to run as smoothly as possible and can help you make that happen!

For any questions you have about the new workplace protections law or other employee regulations, don’t hesitate to contact us today. Our team is passionate about dentistry and your practice’s success.

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Our experts are ready to help create a game plan to help you prepare for the changes, which go into effect on Jan. 1, 2023. As some codes may increase in fee, others are decreasing. Have you reviewed these codes and the fee changes? If not, it is a good time to do so. It’s important to know what codes you use the most in your office and how these Delta fee changes may potentially negatively impact your financial state due to some decreased fees on codes you regularly use. Although some codes might increase in fee, if they are not codes you regularly use, it does not make a substantial positive impact.

Details on changes

The significant contractual amendments and reimbursement changes will result in the elimination of the requirement for filing Premier fees. Standard Premier fee schedules will replace the former method. Delta Dental will no longer require Premier dentists to file fees annually.

In addition, there will be some increases to PPO reimbursement schedules and some fee reductions in specialized areas, such as oral surgery and endodontics, but not in all cases. Some Premier-only providers will see no change or will receive a small increase. An aggregate fee increase for PPO general dentists is also expected.

Why are changes being made?

Delta Dental sought the updates to help reduce administrative burdens felt by providers and Delta Dental.

In particular, the elimination of the Premier fee filing process, the simplification of PPO fee schedules and the alignment of specialized care providers’ contractor fees with what is generally carried out in the broader market are the major drivers of Delta Dental’s decision-making.

What will the real-world effect be on dental offices?

Although the administrative burdens of filing Premier fees annually may be lifted, there could be a potential loss of revenue that far outweighs the annual administrative burden.

The economic impact of the new standard Premier fee schedules is not as clear. Delta Dental, however, holds the position that Premier compensation for general dentists will not experience any aggregate market impacts. Specialists will see a reduction.

Most PPO general dentists, who represent a large share of Delta Dental’s network, however, will see an aggregate increase because of the new fee schedule. Others will see none at all.

We’re here to help

Dental offices can reach out to Adams Dental Consulting for support and resources on how to evaluate and implement the pending changes to their contractual processes and obligations.

Announced in September by Delta Dental, dentists in network should have recently received formal notice of the contractual amendments and reimbursement changes. Dental office managers are urged to read the new policies about Premier fees thoroughly and early to successfully navigate the changes.

Delta Dental will offer Premier providers with individualized examples and guidance on how the changes will impact their practice based on their claim submission history.

Whether it’s helping you identify top codes and production impacts, deciding on network participation, or verbiage to communicate changes with patients, ADC is here to help you navigate this situation.

Contact us today with any questions.

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The recently enacted California legislation is also a relief grant for small businesses that are incurring leave-related costs due to COVID-19. Employees are eligible whether they’re caring for themselves or a family member. The legislation also creates relief grant funding for small businesses for up to $50,000 and also implements new COVID-19 testing and paperwork requirements.

Qualifying organizations can apply for relief to help cover supplemental paid leave and any related costs. To qualify, businesses and nonprofits must be active entities and have been in operation prior to June 2021.

Employers must be careful not to require employees to first exhaust supplemental sick leave before receiving exclusion pay under the Cal/OSHA COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard. Any eligible employee can take 40 hours of paid supplemental leave if they are unable to work due to COVID-19 illness within their household.

While employees may decide how many hours to take up to the maximum, there are limits for vaccine-related leave. Employers can limit leave to three days or 24 hours, depending on work schedules, for vaccine-related work absences. If an employee or family member tests positive for COVID-19, the employee is eligible for an additional 40 hours of leave. In this situation, the employer can require proof of a positive test. The new workplace rules allow employers to also require a second COVID-19 test. For instance, when an employee tests positive and the employer requires a diagnostic within five days, the employer can require a second test within 24 hours. The employer can be required to pay for the additional testing.

If the employee refuses to provide documentation or undergo required diagnostic tests, employers are not required to provide additional supplemental paid sick leave.

Adams Dental Consulting’s professional services help dental practices reach their fullest potential, even when it seems like the world is constantly changing. Our team understands that every dental practice faces unique operational challenges and goals, and it is our passion to help dental practices confront workplace complexities head-on and with confidence.

Our results-driven solutions include:

• Practice management consulting
• Remote billing services
• Marketing and reputation management
• Continuing education support
• Practice acquisitions
• Insurance transitions

We assist dental practices with customized and comprehensive strategies that align with your values and goals, such as excellence in office operations and of course, patient care.

With Adams Dental Consulting at your side, you’ll be able to have a clearer view of your goals and how to accomplish them. Whether your practice is set out to reach new levels of earning potential or to create a seamless and efficient patient experience, you can count on our expertise and proven track record for all the support you need to grow your practice.

Contact us today with any questions!

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