While medical claims billing can be complicated, submitting dental claims is an entirely different beast. Before you submit any dental claims, be sure to educate yourself and your practitioners about the do’s and don’ts of dental claims billing.
Paper or E-File?
Do you still submit claims for your dental practice through snail mail? It might be in your best interest to consider updating your practice to include electronic filing. Electronic filing processes claims more quickly and efficiently than traditional postal service submission. Even if you currently incorporate electronic filing at your practice, some payers may still require paper submissions. In this case, be sure to keep an electronic record of all dental claims submissions to payers who require paper claims.
If you’re interested in incorporating electronic filing into your dental practice, check out our Dental Claims page for more information about seamlessly integrating this software with your existing dental practice management software.
Are X-Rays Needed?
As a dental practitioner, you know that some claims require x-rays in order to be properly processed. Common claims that require x-rays include restorative practices such as crowns, implant supported prosthetics, and fixed partial denture retainers, to name a few.
With Apex EDI, you’ll know exactly which claims will require x-rays for proper submission and processing. Apex OneTouch, the desktop application, will notify your claims professionals of failed claim submissions due to missing items or mistyped information.
Best Practices for Patient Education
Before submitting any dental claims, it is important to educate the patient about the claims process. Your practice may differ from another dental practice in claims submission. It is important to educate the patient about the difference between in- and out-of-network providers, as well as providers that are not accepted at your dental practice, as well as the typical process of claims submission.
This may include the length of time required to process a claim, and how your practice will contact the patient if there is any out-of-pocket expenses required on their part as per their dental insurance provider. By educating the patient about your dental clinic’s best practices, you are hopefully preventing any miscommunication or misleading practices that could cause patient dissatisfaction or overdue accounts.
In order to put your best foot forward in your dental practice, be sure to check out our Dental Claims page for more information about how we at Apex EDI can simplify dental claims submissions for you.
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