Download Medical Insurance For The Dental Office

Document related concepts

Special needs dentistry wikipedia , lookup

Rhetoric of health and medicine wikipedia , lookup

Patient safety wikipedia , lookup

Adherence (medicine) wikipedia , lookup

Medical ethics wikipedia , lookup

Electronic prescribing wikipedia , lookup

Patient advocacy wikipedia , lookup

Transcript
Ms. Angela Kowaleski
Insurance & Medical Treatment Coordinator








Medical Insurance v. Dental Insurance
Medical Insurance Terminology
Basics of Submitting Medical Insurance
Medical Insurance Plans
Reference Materials & Tools
Practice Management
Question & Answer
Nierman Dental Writer ™ CrossCode™
Software
For many physicians and some dentists
insurance claims are a major source of
income for services provided
 As more & more patients continue to
purchase their own medical or dental
insurance they want to take advantage of
their benefits. Especially now with the high
increase in premiums.
 Although you may require payment at the
time of service, insurance payments can still
play a vital role in your income

 Submitting
Insurance
Claims Correctly &
Promptly Can Have Quite
An Impact On The
Financial Success Of Your
Practice
-New Patient Evaluations
 -Oral Appliances
 -Follow-Up Evaluations
 -Appliance Checks
 -Tomograms
 -Injections
 -Physical Therapy
 BioPak Diagnostics


Which patients require insurance verification?
◦ Any new or existing patient with medical insurance that
you plan to treat medically

When should the insurance be contacted?
◦ Before any initial treatment is done (for new patients
before their first visit)

When should actual treatment be pre-certified?
◦ After the patient has been seen and a treatment plan
has been established

Information should include:
◦ Insurance Company
◦ Subscribers employer that the insurance is
through
◦ Subscribers name, date of birth and social
security number if possible
◦ ID# now usually isn’t SS# do to HIPA regulations
◦ Group number
◦ Patient’s name, social security number and date of
birth if other than the subscriber
◦ Member’s benefit telephone number.

Is this a network plan?
◦ No can either mean it is a strict HMO or the patient
can see whomever they choose
Does the patient’s insurance have out of
network benefits?
◦ If yes or their plan is not a network plan ask if there
is a deductible and what percentage do they cover.
(Normally the deductible is $200-$1000 and percentages can be
80%/20% - 70%/30% - 80% and 70% being the insurance carries
contribution and 20%-30% being the patient’s responsibility)
Please remember the insurance pays the percentage of the
UCR(usual and customary rate only).


Has any of the deductible been met this year?
Does the patient’s insurance require
precertification for new patient evaluations?
◦ If the insurance company asks why the patient is coming
don’t mention anything about TMJ just let them know the
symptoms the patient is having such as headaches, ear
pain, neck pain, ect.
◦ If they ask why a dentist is seeing the patient simply
explain that your doctor evaluates upper quarter pain
and/or headaches.
 Do
you accept assignment of
benefits?
*This Is Important, this will tell you if the
patient or the provider will receive the
insurance check- This information can be
found in block #12 and 13 of the HCFA form
(SOF) can be placed on this line.)
At this time you may also ask specific coding
“ Is it possible for you to tell me if a specific
code is a payable code? “
Example: Appliances (E0486, 21110)
Tomograms (76100)
The insurance company will either tell you yes
it is a covered procedure or it isn’t. If they
tell you yes, then ask is the code requires
precertification. At this point you should
follow their specific filing instructions.

NEW PATIENT –PAIN or SLEEP- INITIAL PHONE CONTACT


NAME:___________________________________________________
DATE:___________________________


ADDRESS:___________________________________________________________________________________


______________________________________________________HOME PHONE:_________________________


PATIENT DATE OF BIRTH:______________________________WORKPHONE:_________________________



REFERRED BY:_________________________________________CELL PHONE:_________________________
HEALTH INSURANCE INFORMATION


PRIMARY INS. CO. NAME :______________________________PROVIDER PHONE #:___________________


SUBSCRIBERS NAME:______________________________________D.O.B:____________________________


ID/AGREEMENT #_____________________________________GR#___________________________________


SUBSCRIBERS EMPLOYER:________________________________RELATIONSHIP TO PATIENT:_________


( CALL TO VERIFY COVERAGE, PRECERT IF NECESSARY AND DEDUCTIBLE INFO )


INSURANCE CONTACT NAME:_____________________________________DATE:_____________


IS THIS A NETWORK PLAN?:________HMO?_______OUT OF NETWORK BENEFITS?_________


WHAT IS THE PATIENT’S DEDUCTIBLE?___________________ANY MET YTD?______________


PERCENT OF PAYMENT:_______________IS PRECERT REQUIRED FOR XRAYS?:____________


DO YOU ACCEPT ASSIGNMENT OF BENEFITS?_________________________________________


AUTO OR WORKMANS COMPENSATION INFORMATION:
CIRCLE:
CHRONIC
FALL
ACCIDENT
WORK. COMP.
DATE OF ACCIDENT:__________


ATTY. NAME AND ADDRESS:_________________________________________________________________


AUTO INSURANCE NAME AND ADDRESS:______________________________________________________


______________________________________________________PHONE:_______________________________


POLICY/CLAIM#:______________________________ADJUSTER NAME:______________________________



(CALL FOR INFO:) POLICY LIMIT________________________AMT. USED TO DATE__________________
INITIAL PHONE NOTES (PRESENT SYMPTOMS, PAST TX & DX, DURATION)


_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________


____________________________________________________________________________________________


PREVIOUS APPLIANCES??____________________________________________________________________
COPAY & PCP: Immediately identifies a network plan.
You must call to see if they have out of network benefits.
Co-pays DO NOT Apply In Your Office!! You Are
Not In The Network
PPO: Preferred Provider Program
POS: Point of Service Programs
Both indicate
Network Plans
HMO: Health Maintenance Organization
This is a strict network plan. Benefits are only given to doctors
within a network.
Sometimes you can receive benefits if a patient has already
seen doctors in the network with no success or if the network
can’t provide a doctor within the network who provides a
service that you can give to the patient. Normally the patient
or patients PCP would have to request an out of network
referral. These referrals can be very hard to come by.
Medicare: This card is issued by the government. Either through
Social Security or Retirement. Note: Medicare is different from
Medicaid!! You don’t have to be participating with Medicare for your
patient to receive benefits but you would have to be in Medicaid to
receive benefits.
This card doesn’t state that it is a network plan but you always call to
verify benefits. This plan actually is a standard plan. The patient can
see whomever they choose but they still have a deductible. But only
one deductible. Whereas in a network plan they have two deductibles,
an in-network deductible and out-of-network deductible
The major difference between submitting dental and medical procedures is
mostly the coding.
Dental claims you submit your CDT codes
Medical claims you submit your CPT codes (medical procedure codes)
When submitting medical codes they have to include diagnosis codes (ICD)
This is the part that is very different from submitting your CDT codes
which rarely ever need a narrative report attached or the reason why a
service is being done.
In the medical field it is required to give a reason why a medical procedure
is being done. This is where the diagnosis code comes in (CDT).
Diagnosis codes were created by the medical community to cut down
paper work for writing reports for the patient. So your CDT code is
equivalent to your CPT code but your CPT code must also be attached to
your diagnosis code.



When submitting Dental Claims you are
familiar with submitting Pre-D’s for your
patients, with medical insurance it is now
Pre-Certifications
Pre-D: Determines the exact dollar amount
of a procedure
Pre-Certification: Simply states whether or
not a procedure is medically necessary. It will
not give a guaranteed benefit amount
*VERY IMPORTANT*
Insurance plans that you are not a
participating provider with will not
give you the exact dollar benefit!!
They simply tell you: Yes this is a
covered procedure or no this is not a
covered service.
Existing Dental Patients: Can easily become confused by this.
They are familiar with receiving a pre-d from you with their
dental services where they know the exact dollar amount of
reimbursement and what they are responsible for.
You have to explain to them that the medical insurance has
different filing procedures and protocols.
New Patients (Referred Patients): Are also accustomed to going
to either their general physician and/or specialist where they
only pay a co-pay or sometimes don’t pay anything at all.


#1 Remember this is not your fault or the fault
of the patient or in most cases not the fault of
the insurance carrier either.
 Do not take offense when a patient says:
 “Well then I will just see a doctor that is
participating with my insurance.”
Explain to the patient: “Your insurance company
doesn’t allow a dentist to participate in their
medical program, however what we do in our
office is more medical in nature and is submitted
through the medical insurance.
(Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Government Plans)



Patient: “Well I do have dental insurance”
Staff: “Unfortunately what we do in our office
doesn’t have anything to do with your
dentition, and is a medical condition.”
We can however, if you don’t have any
medical coverage we can submit your first
visit through your dental insurance but it
would take away from one of your other
exams allowed during a calendar year. In
some cases your dental plan will also cover a
portion of appliances in our office if they are
in your treatment plan. It will depend on
what type of coverage you have.
Be aware that some dental plans are just the
same as medical plans, PPO, Network & HMO.
In some cases that patient will not have any
insurance benefits at all in your office.
In these cases we offer one to two year interest
free payment plans.
Care Credit
I highly recommend you have one!!
A delay in receiving payment from an insurance company is costly.
Careful preparation of claims minimizes delays and returns of
insurance forms to the service provider or patient for additional
information or corrections before claims are paid.

There are several types of major insurance claim filing forms:
◦
◦
◦
◦


Health Insurance Claim Form (HCFA)
Superbill
Physician’s Report (Workers’ Compensation Form)
Attending Doctors Statement
If you have the capability of using a HCFA form
this is the most acceptable method of filing
claims.







Diagnosis is not stated
Diagnosis and treatment appear unrelated
Improper codes are used
Fees are not listed accurately or completely
Patient or the insured individual is not
properly identified
Insured or the provider does not sign the
claim form
Pre-certification was not obtained





Incomplete information regarding other
insurance coverage
Improper typing alignment (not inside the
box)
Blanks are left unanswered
Provider Numbers (NPI, Provider) Not Entered
Diagnosis Code Is Unspecified:
◦ Example: 729.1 Myalgia & Myositis (Muscle Pain)
 716.8 Osteoarthritis
These codes do not state the area of the
diagnosis





Use processed paid claims as a ground stone
Always get the name of whom you verified or
precertified treatment with from the
insurance
If possible try to establish a relationship with
a specific claim adjuster who can help you
with your claims
No matter how treatment will be paid,
establish a financial plan with every patient
Don’t get frustrated, be persistent, a denied
claim should always be followed up on



Always submit insurance for every patient
regardless of benefits and eligibility
Evaluate your fees yearly to determine which
fees need to be increased or decreased
Every year check all codes you have
previously used. (Codes can also change in the
middle of the year)

Keep track of your patients, establish a recall
system
Every state has their own Medicare System
 As a provider you are allowed to log onto
their website and find their UCR
Some sites you just indicate that you are a
provider and then you have to find the area
that states Fee Schedule
You are able to see all current CPT codes and
the allowable amount that they pay

(usual and customary rate)
This helps you give the patient an idea
of what the insurance company might
pay for

Searching Criteria Year 2010
HCPC 21110
Modifier Global (Diagnostic Service) OR

21110


Physicians Professional Service where
Professional/Technical concept does not
apply.
Interdental fixation
$664.43




Accept assignment:
Provider of the service agrees
to accept payments in full from the carrier and collect
only the amount approved by the carrier.
Adjustment:
A change in a charged fee; for
example, to reduce a fee because of a professional
courtesy discount.
Assignment of Benefits:
An agreement signed by
the insured authorizing the benefits to be transferred
to another physician or health care provider.
Attending physician: The physician who is treating
the patient or responsible for the patient’s care.


Authorization to Release Information: Signed permission
by the patient authorizing the physician to release
privilege information.
Carrier:
An insurance company that underwrites the
insurance coverage ; for example General Insurance
Company.

Claim form:
The form or billing which is sent to the
insurance company for processing.

Claimant: The individual making the request to receive
the benefits as outlined in the insurance policy.

Coordination of Benefits: When covered by more than one
insurance carrier, the primary carrier takes into
consideration the responsibility of the other carrier prior
to determining its own liability.

Copayment/co-pay:
The specific amount that must be
paid by the insured toward the professional service
rendered.

Deductible: The specific amount that must be paid by the
insured toward the professional service rendered.

Disability: Inability to perform the patient’s work because
of an illness or injury.

DNA: Does not apply.

Explanation of Benefits: An explanation of how the claim
settled. This is usually sent at the time of reimbursement.

Fee-for-service: The method of billing by physicians or
dentists for each professional service performed.




Health Maintenance Organization (HMO):
A medical organization or group of physicians
and hospitals who agree to provide health care
services to members for a specific prepaid fee.
Major Medical: Insurance policy covering
catastrophic or prolonged medical care.
Primary Physician: For HMO’s this means the
physician who has been designated as your main
health care provider.
Prior Authorization: A procedure where the
provider submits to the insurance carrier or
agency a treatment provider plan before the
treatment is received.

Provider Identification: A code or number series
issued to the health care provider.

Service Provider: An individual or organization who
provides the heath care services.



Subscriber: An enrolled member of a health care
coverage plan. Also called policyholder, insured,
enrollee, or certificate holder.
Superbill: A patient charge slip, usually with
itemization of procedures plus the fee for each of
those services.
UCR (Usual & Customary Rate): A system used to
decide benefits based upon physicians prevailing fee
for the locality, specialty, and service.

What if a claim was denied stating treatment
was done by a dentist?
The laws of this state do not allow a claim to
be denied based on a practitioners license, if
the procedures preformed are within the
scope of the practitioners license. Treatment
of head and jaw disorders are within the
scope of a dentist’s license and involves
treatment of bone, cartilage, ligaments and
muscles and should be handled as medically
necessary treatment by insurers.

What if a patients insurance denied benefits
stating no out-of-network coverage???
This shouldn’t happen if you followed the
proper insurance verification procedures.
You would have already known that there was
no coverage. Also the same for denial of
appliance (not covered in policy)
You should also never get a denial back stating
that precertification was not approved.
Sleep appliances almost in all cases
need pre-cert!!
Can my patient get an out-of-network referral?
In many cases a patient would have to see at
least one doctor in the network first w/out
any success. If the network can’t find a
doctor within their network performing the
same services it is possible. Normally a
patient would have to try to get this from the
insurance company. A patient normally will
tell you that you have to get this for them.
*Remember: The patient has the contract
with the insurance company not you. They
don’t care if you are paid but want to make
their patient/client happy.



When you file insurance to cover the cost of an oral airway
device, file under medical insurance not dental insurance.
Oral appliances may fall under the normal benefits of the
insurance policy. If this is not the case, ask if oral
appliances are covered under the category of durable
medical equipment and prostheses. Be sure to tell the
claims personnel that you have a CPT and ICD-9 code, this
will speed up the approval process.
Prior to starting treatment, the patient may wish to
have a pre-certification of benefits letter sent to the
insurance company to document their insurance coverage
in writing.
In addition to the letter, the following information should also be
included:




Polysomnogram results confirming diagnosis of OSA
Sleep medicine physician’s office notes confirming the treatment
plan
The dentist’s progress notes from the initial office visit
Most insurance carriers will reply by fax or mail within 2-4
weeks, unless the case is sent to a medical reviewer
determination. Then it could be up to 8 weeks to receive a reply.
Note: Many medical insurance carriers require that patient’s with
moderate to severe OSA have a trial of nasal CPAP prior to
considering any other treatment. Coverage for oral appliance
therapy may be considered if the patient is intolerant of nasal
CPAP. Some insurance carriers may not require a trial of nasal
CPAP prior to authorizing coverage for oral appliance therapy if
the patient has mild obstructive sleep apnea.

Date


Insurance Company

Re:
ID#

Robert _________
QAF181038987908655


To Whom It May Concern:


Robert ________ is a 45-year-old male referred by Dr. Ross Futerfas to determine her candidacy for oral device therapy related
to sleep disordered breathing. Mr. _______ underwent a sleep study ordered by Dr. Futerfas his pulmonary specialist. Results indicated a
diagnosis of moderate to severe sleep apnea with a RDI of 53. The patient’s chief complaints include chronic fatigue and poor sleep.
Patient also reports headaches, loud and irregular snoring, and daytime sleepiness.


Mr. ______’s treatment plan includes placement of an intraoral appliance (mandibular repositioning device) to manage her sleep apnea
and snoring. This approach to therapy for obstructive sleep apnea has been increasing in usage since the late 1980’s because of its
observed effectiveness in the treatment of mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea and primary snoring. The appliance consists of a
full soft upper and lower arch which is titratable to advance the mandible. This appliance causes mandibular advancement and muscular
tone alterations which result in an increase of the oropharynx and hypopharynx laterally. Controlled studies have demonstrated a
significant reduction of hypopnea apnea episodes and near 100% elimination of primary snoring.


The lifetime expectancy of this appliance if worn everyday is estimated at five to ten years. The lining of the appliance should last 12-17
months which is then replaced. The cost of the appliance is $1500 as indicated on the enclosed claim form.


If you have any questions regarding Mr. _______’s condition please feel free to contact me at (610) 435-6724. If you need additional
information about dental appliance therapy for sleep apnea and snoring you may contact the Sleep Disorder Dental Society at (412) 9350836.


Sincerely,




Dr. Barry Glassman
Enc.
BG:alk

To:

Allentown Pain Center
Dr. Barry Glassman


Re:____________________________________


I am writing to inform you that it is medically necessary for the above named patient to be fitted for an oral sleep appliance.



__________________________ was diagnosed with ICD-Code 327.23_______mild, _______ moderate, ________ severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea.



_______I have enclosed a copy of the sleep study for your records.
_______There was no sleep study performed.


The patient was/ was not fitted with a CPAP machine at the time.





_______The patient
_______The patient
_______The patient
_______The patient
is unable to tolerate the CPAP machine.
is not in need of a CPAP machine.
has refused to wear the CPAP machine.
requires the oral appliance and the CPAP machine as a form of treatment.



Again, due to the diagnosis of his/her sleep apnea it is medically necessary for him to be fitted for an oral sleep appliance.


If you need any further information or if I could be of further assistance please feel free to contact me.


Sincerely,


___________________________________





It is possible to reverse a denial of benefits for oral
appliance therapy if the patient’s policy does not
specifically exclude oral appliance therapy. The appeal
should be focused on the medical necessity of oral
appliance therapy for treatment of the patient’s
obstructive sleep apnea condition and the research
supporting the effectiveness of this treatment. However, it
is the patient’s responsibility to appeal the denial of
benefits. Therefore, it is recommended that the dentist
offer to send the patient a sample appeal letter that they
can customize and submit to the insurance carrier. It is
also recommended that the patient include copies of:
Polysomnogram results
Sleep medicine physician’s office notes and letters
Dentist’s progress notes
Description of Thornton Adjustable Appliance for
treatment of OSA

March 12, 2003




Pennsylvania Blue Cross
Po Box 890062
Camp Hill, Pa 17089


To Whom It May Concern:


My name is Angela ______ and my identification number is QAC197958789024. I have seen a
sleep doctor, Dr. William Pistone for a consultation and treatment for my sleepiness during the
day and snoring. Dr. Pistone sent me for a sleep study that confirmed my ___________
(mild/moderate/severe) sleep apnea condition. I have tried the CPAP machine but I have not
been able to tolerate it because of the many side effects.


I am still waking in the morning very tired and have difficulty concentrating and staying alert
during the day. Dr. Pistone feels that I should find a new avenue of treatment for my problem
and he referred me to Dr. Barry Glassman for treatment with an oral sleep apnea appliance. I
have included Dr. Glassman’s information along with this letter. I am having difficulty
functioning during the day and need treatment for this problem. Please consider this
treatment for coverage under my insurance plan, as I would like to receive treatment as soon
as possible.


Thank you for your prompt attention in this matter.


Sincerely,


Angela ___________



CPT CODES *E0486
CLINICAL INDICATIONS FOR USE: DIAGNOSIS OF OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA
The oral appliance is used to stabilize the airway in a patient with a diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea
(cessation of breathing during sleep due to tissue blockage in airway) 327.23. Managing the airway through
manipulation of the lower jaw is the easiest and most reliable way to keep the airway open in an unconscious or
sleeping person.


The oral appliance applies the same principle as that of CPR in keeping the airway open, the patient’s head is
rotated back, and the mandible is rotated closed and pushed forward. Once this position is achieved, it is far
easier to move air through the airway. To achieve and hold the mandible in this same position, the oral
appliance is fitted so that it locks on to the upper and lower teeth, holding the mandible closed and in a
protruded position. This appliance is essentially a device that can manage the airway of an unconscious person
without the assistance of a person actually holding the patients jaw forward.


This mechanism is not a dental device, but rather a medical appliance used specifically to treat patients with
obstructive sleep apnea. Since it is small and easily customized in our office, it is far less expensive than either
C-PAP or surgery, two alternative forms of treatment. It is also far easier for the patient to use, and it is portable
(pocket or purse!), which increases the likelihood of routine use, thus improving the patients overall health due
to more restful, productive sleep and a higher oxygen saturation of the blood. This is simply the least invasive,
most cost effective form of treatment for this diagnosis at this time.


The fee for this appliance is $1500. The fee does not include any treatment for teeth or gums. Depending on
how well the appliance is cared for; there is always the possibility of repairs (ranging from $65-$250) and even
replacement.



Dr. W. Keith Thornton
* Oral Sleep Appliance Code We Use

Medical Procedure Codes for the Evaluation and Management of
Obstructive Sleep Apnea with Dental Appliances


Medical Procedure Code (CPT#)

Procedure or Service Provided (including description)



















Office visit for evaluation and management of a new Patient:
99201: Brief history, examination and consultation (patient presenting with problems of mild severity;
physician/dentist spends 10 minutes face-to-face with the patient and/or family).
99202: Limited history, examination and consultation (patient presenting with problems of mild to
moderate severity; physician/dentist spends 20 minutes face-to-face with the patient and/or family).
99203: Standard history, examination and consultation (patient presenting with problems of moderate
severity; physician/dentist spends 30 minutes face-to-face with the patient and/or family).
99204: Comprehensive history, examination and consultation (patient presenting with problems of
moderate to high severity; physician/dentist spends 45 minutes face-to-face with the patient and/or
family).
99205: Comprehensive history, examination and consultation (patient presenting with problems of
moderate to high severity; physician/dentist spends 60 minutes face-to-face with the patient and/or
family).
Reevaluation and management of an established Patient:
99212: Brief office visit (evaluation of progress-physician/dentist spends 10 minutes face-to face with
the patient and/or family).
99213: Limited office visit (evaluation of progress-physician/dentist spends 15 minutes face-to face
with the patient and/or family).
99214: Intermediate office visit (evaluation of progress-physician/dentist spends 25 minutes face-toface with the patient and/or family).
99215: Extended office visit (evaluation of progress-physician/dentist spends 40 minutes face-toface with the patient and/or family).



Diagnostic Study Models
21079 Impression and custom preparation; interim obturator prosthesis
95999 Study Models





Intra-Oral Orthopedic Repositioning Cast
21110 Application of interdental fixation device for conditions other than fracture or dislocation (includes
removal)
21085 Oral Surgical Splint
21089 Unlisted oral appliance (Aqualizer)


Sleep Appliances

E0486
Intra-Oral Airway Device
20550
64450
64505
64510
Tendon Sheath or Ligament Injection
Otic ganglion block
Sphenopalatine block
Submandibular ganglion block






Injection Procedures








Radiography
70100 Submental Vertex
70140 AP Townes
70360 Lateral Cephalogram
76100 Tomograms


327.21
327.23
327.51
780.53
780.52
786.09
780.57
780.51
780.79
Primary central sleep apnea
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Periodic limb movement
Sleep Apnea (with hypersomnia)
unspecified
Insomnia, unspecified
Primary Snoring
Sleep apnea unspecified
Sleep apnea (with insomnia)
Fatigue

The report that is generated for the patient is
what I believe to be one of the most important
benefits of the software. This is the best
marketing tool I believe that you can have in your
office.
 When the patient fills out their initial history
forms there is place for them to fill in all the
health care professionals they have seen
regarding their symptoms as well as their
primary doctor and dentist. All of these health
care professional are then added into the
patients record and a letter can be created for
every one of the doctors.
As a dentist you may not normally send out
letters to other dentists or doctors in regards
to your patient. However in the medical
community this is the standard and is done
for every patient that a physician sees.

By sending these reports for your patients it
elevates yourself to the levels of other
doctors and gives the foundation as a good
referral source. It allows other doctors to
know exactly how you treat patients in your
practice.

Our referral pattern
*Recognize within your own practice which of your
existing patients have a sleep/tmd disorders
*Start by adding simple questions to your new
patient questionnaire or patient medical update
forms to include the standard Epworth scale or
tmd symptom questions
*Place brochures within your office that let
your patients know you treat sleep and tmd
disorders
*Introduce yourself to other physicians in your
area, ENT’s…Sleep Centers…ect.
Allows you to easily start the process of
expanding your general dental practice to
incorporate new patients that require oral
appliance therapy for their sleep disorders


Submit medical claims for patient reimbursement

Immediately start communicating with the
medical field to instantly build new patient
referrals
Gives you basic practice management tools to
integrate into your dental sleep medicine practice


The DentalWriter itself in a whole is a major time
saver from start to finish for both you and your
staff


Letters that are generated from this program
establish a referral pattern from other medical
doctors who will refer you new sleep patients
Provide your staff with necessary tools to begin
implementing submission of medical claims

This software allows you to log an initial contact with
the patient

Send the patient history forms.

Print your exam forms
Enter all the information from the patient history
forms as well as your exam, diagnostics, diagnosis
and plan to finally printing a report which includes all
of the necessary information that is recognized by
other health care providers.



The actual report is formatted in a SOAP
format.
S – Subjective Information
◦ Comes from history forms that the patient fills out

O - Objective Information
◦ Comes from exam forms which also allows you
input all of your diagnostic information

A – Assessment
◦ Your diagnosis

P - Plan
◦ Treatment Plan
Nierman Practice Management