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Telehealth for oral health

Billing for teledentistry services

Learn about policies and reimbursement for telehealth services for oral health.

Understanding billing for teledentistry

Understanding insurance coverage for teledentistry is crucial for maximizing reimbursement and ensuring sustainable service delivery. Dental practices need to use specific billing codes designated for teledentistry services to ensure accurate reimbursement. Key considerations for telehealth reimbursement policies include:

  • Stay up to date. Subscribe to updates from insurance providers and professional associations to stay informed about changes in reimbursement policies. Join webinars and continuing education courses focused on telehealth reimbursement to keep your knowledge current.
  • Avoid common pitfalls. Be aware of common pitfalls in telehealth billing, such as incorrect coding or incomplete documentation. Learn how to address insurance company denials or audits by ensuring all claims are correctly coded and fully documented to support the services billed.
  • Follow detailed instructions. Understand the correct coding for telehealth services in dentistry, including any specific modifiers or codes required by different insurers.
  • Track claims. Make sure to track claims and manage accounts receivable. This includes regular follow-ups on outstanding claims, maintaining detailed records of all billing activities, and using automated systems to monitor the status of claims and payments. These practices help maintain the financial health of the practice and ensure consistent cash flow.
  • Streamline the process. Consider utilizing billing software or services to streamline the telehealth billing process. These tools can help ensure accurate and timely submissions, reducing the likelihood of errors.

Medicaid

Each state has its own billing and reimbursement policies. For tips on Medicaid policies, visit Medicaid and Medicare overview.

Private insurance

Check with the patient’s insurance company for information on their billing and reimbursement policies. For tips on private insurance policies, look up policy by jurisdiction.

More information:

Billing for telehealth — Health Resources and Services Administration

Telehealth policy — Health Resources and Services Administration

Understanding telehealth policy — National Policy Telehealth Resource Center