Treatment FAQ

denial of dental treatment when contract says it is covered

by Aleen Wolf V Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

Why was my dental insurance claim denied?

Dec 30, 2021 · Contractual Clinical Denials occur simply because some contracts don’t cover certain services; usually, non-coverage services include cosmetic procedures. Contractual Limitation Denials are delayed or denied due to limitations in the contract based on age, frequency (how much time must pass before doing more procedures on the same tooth), or waiting periods.

Can a dental insurance company delay payment?

Oct 02, 2018 · Such as “normal attrition and wear” are used in the denial as the reason for non-coverage then use other words to describe the condition such as “craze line cracks” “fracture lines” “dentin exposure” “cold sensitivity” “pain to loading.” If an occlusal guard is covered for bruxism then use the word bruxism. The wrong word can trigger a denial.

Does a dental policy cover all dental expenses?

Untimely filing. Dental claims should be submitted upon completion of the services provided. Failing to submit the claim on time is an easy excuse for the insurance company to deny the claim. Most PPO plans require that the claim to be submitted within one …

What is an exclusion from a dental plan?

Apr 01, 2018 · Failing to submit the claim on time is an easy reason for the insurance company to deny the dental claim. Most PPO plans require the claim be submitted within one year from the date of service. There are also some local union plans that have even shorter timely filing periods, such as 90 days.

What if insurance claims are being denied because the provider is not a contracted provider?

If you're a non-contract provider, on your own behalf, you can file a standard appeal for a denied claim once you complete a waiver of liability (WOL) statement, which says you won't bill the enrollee regardless of the outcome of the appeal.Dec 13, 2021

How do I write a letter of appeal for dental insurance denial?

I am writing, on behalf of [name of plan member if other than yourself], to appeal the [name of health plan and policy number] decision to deny [name of service, procedure, or treatment sought] for [name of plan member if other than yourself].

Why are dental claim denied?

Contractual Limitation Denials are delayed or denied due to limitations in the contract based on age, frequency (how much time must pass before doing more procedures on the same tooth), or waiting periods.Dec 30, 2021

How do I get around a missing tooth clause?

Another option for resolving the matter is asking if your insurance company has a policy of waiving the clause if the tooth extraction and beginning of coverage fall within a certain time period. Some insurance companies will do this if the tooth was extracted within 3 years of the proposed replacement date.Mar 24, 2016

How do I dispute an insurance claim denial?

To appeal the denial, you should take the following steps within 30 days of receiving the denial letter from your insurer:
  1. Review the determination letter. ...
  2. Collect information. ...
  3. Request documents. ...
  4. Call your health care provider's office. ...
  5. Submit the appeal request. ...
  6. Request an expedited internal appeal, if applicable.

What should be done if an insurance company denies a service stating it was not medically necessary?

First-Level Appeal—This is the first step in the process. You or your doctor contact your insurance company and request that they reconsider the denial. Your doctor may also request to speak with the medical reviewer of the insurance plan as part of a “peer-to-peer insurance review” in order to challenge the decision.

What qualifies for scaling and root planing?

Tight pockets are required to hold the tooth roots securely in place. Most dentists will recommend scaling and root planing is the pocket depth is more than five millimeters. Performing the procedure when the gum pocket is only between five or six millimeters can help stop bone tissue and tooth loss.

How do I make a dental insurance claim?

Claim Process For Dental Insurance
  1. Inform the company about the possibility as soon as it happens.
  2. Submit the documents supporting your claim along with the signed and filled claim form.
  3. After this step is done and the insurance company gets the documents, they will begin with the verification procedure of the same.
Feb 9, 2021

What is diagnostic dental?

A diagnostic exam lays the foundation of all future treatments and recommendations. It involves an in-depth examination of the patient's teeth, gums, jaw and muscles. A comprehensive diagnostic exam isn't just regular teeth cleaning or evaluation, but involves an overall view of the health of your mouth and jaw.

What is missing tooth clause in dental insurance?

What is a “Missing Tooth Clause”? The vast majority of dental insurance plans carry a “missing tooth clause.” A missing tooth clause protects the insurance company from paying for the replacement of a tooth that was missing before the policy was in effect.

Is a crown considered a missing tooth?

Crowns and bridges are prosthetic dental devices that are used when you have a damaged or missing tooth. Unlike dentures, crowns and bridges are permanent and can't be removed. Your dentist attaches a crown or bridge to existing teeth or implants.Jul 9, 2019

What does dental Code D2740 mean?

D2740 Crown, porcelain/ceramic substrate.Jul 13, 2020

What is deductible in dental?

A deductible is to be paid by the patient before any services are considered for payment. Knowing what your patient’s deductible is will help you to collect the right amount of money at the time services are rendered. This is a key to ensure that your accounts receivables are low. Once dental claims are processed, ...

How often do prosthetics need to be replaced?

A prosthetic replacement clause is generally between 5-7 years but can be as much as 12 years.

What does EOB mean in insurance?

An EOB stands for: Explanation of Benefits. EOBs are NOT dental claims. EOBs are sent to your office as a receipt of services rendered. Every EOB is different and unlike that same standardization that is required to submit claims, insurance companies do not standardize their EOBs. It is important to pay careful attention to the columns, verbiage, ...

Why is it important to have a system of checks and balances in place?

It is really important to have a system of checks and balances in place so errors occur less frequently, but nothing is perfect and mistakes happen. When the wrong tooth is billed, rest at ease as this is a relatively simple fix.

Is dental insurance a payment?

Dental insurance isn’t really insurance at all. It is not a payment to cover a loss. It is actually a benefit provided by employers to help employees cover the cost of routine dental treatment. An employer will buy a plan (one of many offered) based on the amount of the benefit and the cost of the premium for the company or the employee.

What is dental insurance?

It is actually a benefit provided by employers to help employees cover the cost of routine dental treatment. An employer will buy a plan (one of many offered) based on the amount of the benefit and the cost of the premium for the company or the employee. Most plans cover only a part of the total fee for dental services.

Is dental insurance the same as medical insurance?

There are as many different plans as there are contracts, and dental insurance is not the same as medical insurance. In fact, it’s not really “insurance” at all. A patient’s employer selects the plan and is ultimately responsible for the design of the contract. Each contract specifies what procedures are covered.

Does dental insurance cover waiting periods?

Waiting periods can jeopardize your health. Many insurance companies have waiting periods before they will cover certain dental procedures. This creates an inconvenience minimally or can actually be detrimental to your health if you are encouraged to wait until your care is covered.

When did dental insurance start?

Dental insurance was first introduced in California in 1954, and quickly rose in popularity. By the 1970’s, these plans were widely available and usually provided a maximum annual coverage of about $1000 (which is still about the maximum today). The first plans didn’t distinguish between in-network and out-of-network providers.

Does insurance cover gum disease?

Regardless, insurance companies will only cover a fixed number of visits for gum therapy.

Do braces have to be covered?

Braces are rarely covered or slightly covered. Although experts know that crooked teeth not only cause psychological and social problems, crooked teeth promote dental disease. It just makes sense when teeth are bunched up and growing in different directions that it is difficult if not impossible to keep them clean.

What is the most important defense in a dental malpractice case?

What To Know About Dental Negligence Lawsuits. One of the most important defenses in a dental malpractice case is proper documentation. The patient’s dental record must contain a clear chronology of events, future treatment plans, and all the important communication between the dentist and patient.

Why do dentists sue?

Reasons to Sue a Dentist: 1 Anesthesia Complications 2 Failure to Diagnose Oral Diseases or Cancers 3 Injuries to Oral Nerves 4 Complications with Bridges and Crowns 5 Tooth Extraction Problems 6 Root Canal Injuries 7 Complications from Novocain 8 Infections 9 Wrongful Death

How many cases of failure to diagnose periodontal disease in a timely fashion?

There were 19 cases of failure to diagnose or treat periodontal disease in a timely fashion. All defendants were general dentists. In the majority of these cases, X-rays were not taken routinely, and periodontal probings were rarely or never recorded.

What is the second most common alleged negligence?

The second most common alleged negligence was due to endodontic procedures. Of the above negligence claims due to endodontic procedures, all of the defendants were general dentists. The complications included instruments left in canals, nerve and sinus perforations, air embolisms, and life-threatening infections, including four fatalities. Of the life-threatening infections, seven were due to brain abscesses, and one due to osteomyelitis. Of these eight infections, four were fatalities and four resulted in irreversible brain damage.

What does EOB mean in dental?

In most cases, the answers to these questions can be found on the EOB. The EOB indicates whether or not treatment was covered. If the service was denied, the plan is required to explain the denial. As I’ve already stated, since these forms are not standardized among dental plans, the language on the EOB can cause confusion between patients ...

Can you apply for alternative benefits on EOB?

It’s not uncommon for dental plans to apply alternative benefits during claims processing, and they include this information on the EOB. Sometimes an alternative benefit is allowed as the least costly alternative that could be used to treat a dental problem instead of a more costly treatment option that the patient chooses.

What is an EOB?

An EOB is sent to the patient and/or dental office as a receipt of services provided. Unfortunately, dental plans do not have standardized formats for these documents, which is why it’s necessary for an office to pay close attention to columns, verbiage and line items and to read the EOB completely.

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