Trojan Today: “Decoding the Codes: Bridges and Dentures” by Kathleen Johnson

It’s about time... Only 18% (2009 statistics) of all dentists in the United States do a complete oral cancer screening examination. A shocking statistic!

Periodontal disease affects millions of Americans, with estimates suggesting that nearly 47% of adults over the age of 30 have some form of gum disease. Thousands experience localized periodontal issues, where only 1-3 teeth require treatment.

“I hate to terminate employees!” That’s the understatement of the year; no one likes to do it. Not only is the termination itself difficult, you will have to recruit, interview, hire, and train a replacement, costing an emotional and financial toll.

Have you ever received a phone call from a patient upset about the amount their insurance has paid on their claim? It may not seem fair, but our patients expect us to know about their insurance plans and what is covered.

In this, our final installment on this topic, we will look at the critical piece of monitoring employees’ performance and providing all important feedback, both positive and constructive.

Protected Identifiable Information, or PII for short, is any information that could be used to identify an individual. Forty-eight states now have privacy laws that require all businesses to protect a consumer’s Protected Identifiable Information.

Why do you have to comply with HIPAA Security Rules? If you are submitting e-claims to a clearinghouse and then the clearinghouse submits the electronic format of the claim to a health plan on behalf of your office, you MUST comply to the Privacy, Security, and Breach Notification Rules of HIPAA.

In today's digital age, dental offices increasingly rely on technology to manage patient records, streamline operations, and enhance the quality of care.

Whether you have a new practice or want to enhance your ongoing marketing efforts, I can offer a few tips to increase the number of patients and retain them by making the most of online resources.