The Importance of Updated
Information
We are hyper aware that our information update sheet is something
most parents wish they could skip. We totally understand, and work really
hard to make it a pain free experience. We have structured it to avoid
requesting information you have already provided. At the same time, a lot
can change between dental visits every six months, especially when it comes to
growing children. We like to make sure we have up-to-date information regarding
your child's health, habits, and insurance in order to provide the best care
for your child and the most convenience for you.
Our office is happy to submit claims directly to your insurance as
a courtesy to you. Our hope is that by doing this on your behalf using
our software specifically designed for the task and applying our expertise if the
company raises a question, we relieve you from involvement in the claims
process with your insurance company. To do this we need the most up to
date information. When we do have the correct information we typically
receive determination and/or payment within 2-3 weeks. In most cases our office
will submit to your dental insurance for reimbursement, but in some situations,
such as accidental injuries we may be able to bill to your medical plan if we
are provided with the information needed. Correct information also prevents
claim rejection which can result in unnecessary billing being sent to our
patient families, which is never a pleasant surprise.
Some insurers like North East Delta Dental provide additional
benefits for patients who are at high risk for dental caries or periodontal
disease under a number of their plans. In cases where this wonderful benefit is available, we complete a
Caries Risk Information Survey for your child to try to obtain any additional
services available to help them achieve optimal health. You can help us
work with your insurer to determine whether your child is eligible for these
additional preventive services by providing the updated information we request. The answers you provide may qualify your child for services such as more frequent cleanings, fluoride
treatments, and sealants per benefit period. Even if your insurer does not
provide additional benefits, completing this information also guides your
child's hygienist to focus their oral health education to the targeted areas
where your child may need added encouragement and give us prompts to praise the
wonderful work they are putting into their smiles. This also allows us to track
your child's progress toward optimal nutritional and home hygienic habits.
In addition to nutrition and home health habits, we request
information on your child's general well-being. Dental health can affect the
whole child, and conversely, many factors outside the mouth can affect dental
health. Stress, certain medical diagnoses, and changes to family structure,
school behavior, and medication can all have an adverse effect on how teeth are
cared for. Having insight into your child's well-being can help Dr. Scholl
trouble shoot what may be causing a dental concern which will enable her to
suggest the most conservative treatments and routines to best care for your
child's oral health.
We look forward to seeing each and every patient in our practice,
and we appreciate the time you put into your child's dental healthcare-
including making sure we have the most up-to-date information.
Jess - Treatment Coordinator
