Carol Tekavec's Page

Did you know that approximately 50% of dental claims submitted by dentists are still on paper? Surprisingly it's true! Despite all of the interest and promotion of electronic claims, the tried and true paper format is still alive and in use. However, when a claim is submitted on paper, the data must be converted to an electronic format prior to any processsing by an insurance carrier. Therefore, paper claims always add a step to the payment process. Further complicating matters is the fact that… Continue

Although I have covered these codes and explanations in past articles and blogs, they continue to pose problems for dentists and staff. In fact, I receive at least one call pertaining to these services every day. What are these problem codes and services? D1110-Adult Prophylaxis, D0120-Periodic Oral Evaluation, D0150-Comprehensive Oral Evaluation, D0180-Comprehensive Periodontal Evaluation, D4910-Periodontal Maintenance, and D4341-Periodontal Scaling and Root Planing.

First, let’s address the n… Continue

A recent report indicated that 7 out of the 63 women who were evaluated for for osteonecrosis of the jaw had been using only oral versions of bisphosphonates.(As opposed to the previously held theory that only those receiving IV bisphosphonates were at risk). Also, according to a Reuters report dated, 9-03-09, a trial in New York is the first of some 1,280 plantiff groups involving almost 900 cases over the U.S. claiming Fosamax caused ONJ. Osteoporosis is a bad condition. However, I think that… Continue

“In-network” dentists, meaning dentists who have signed a contract with an insurance carrier, may not realize that their agreements may feature a restriction on fees for services not covered by the insurance carrier. Even though an insurance carrier will not pay toward a non-covered service or procedure provided after the patient’s annual maximum has been exhausted, they dictate the fee that the network dentist may charge. The dentist is not able to charge his/her “normal” fee, and in some cases… Continue

I frequently read about assisted hygiene. Around 15 years ago our office tried this system. I worked with an assistant using two identical treatment rooms.The assistant seated all patients, reviewed their medical histories, recorded blood pressure readings, took any necessary radiographs, recorded probing depths for me, performed the "polish" (ok in Colorado), cleaned the treatment room, took the patient to the front and scheduled their next appointment, and readied the treatment room for the ne… Continue