When patients walk through your doors, they expect excellent care. But behind every crown, implant, or sleep apnea appliance is something just as critical to your practice’s success: getting paid. That’s where dental medical billing comes in.
Many dental procedures can be billed through a patient’s medical insurance rather than dental insurance, but navigating that system can be confusing and time-consuming. If you’re not billing correctly, you could be leaving significant revenue on the table.
So, What is Dental Medical Billing? Dental medical billing is the process of submitting claims for dental services under a patient’s medical insurance policy. This is particularly relevant for services that are medically necessary, such as:
- Sleep apnea appliances
- TMJ treatments
- Certain oral surgeries
- Biopsies and pathology-related procedures
- Bone grafts and extractions related to medical conditions
Why is This Important for My Dental Office? Medical billing for dental procedures allows practices to:
- Help patients maximize their medical benefits
- Improve case acceptance by reducing out-of-pocket expenses
- Boost practice revenue and profitability
- Support continuity of care by integrating with patients’ overall health coverage
Commonly Asked Questions About Dental Medical Billing
1. What types of dental procedures are typically covered by medical insurance? Procedures that are considered medically necessary—such as those for trauma, infections, congenital defects, or systemic diseases that manifest in the oral cavity—may be billable to medical insurance.
2. Can I bill both medical and dental insurance for the same procedure? Sometimes. It depends on the procedure and the patient’s insurance plans. Coordination of benefits is crucial, and knowing the rules of primary and secondary coverage helps avoid claim denials.
3. Is medical billing worth the hassle for a busy dental practice? Yes, if done correctly. Practices that utilize medical billing often report higher revenue and improved patient satisfaction. But it requires expertise, proper coding, and thorough documentation.
4. How do I know if a procedure qualifies for medical billing? It starts with medical necessity. You need to determine if the procedure addresses a medical condition and document accordingly. Pre-authorization and detailed chart notes help support the claim.
5. Who can help with dental medical billing? That’s where eAssist comes in.
Let eAssist Take the Billing Burden Off Your Plate At eAssist Dental Solutions, we specialize in navigating the complexities of dental and medical billing. Our team of experts ensures your claims are coded, submitted, and followed up on accurately and promptly—so you get paid faster and more consistently.
Whether you’re overwhelmed at the front desk or trying to grow your practice revenue, we’re here to help.
Click here to learn more about how eAssist can streamline your dental billing and collections.
Don’t leave money on the table. Partner with eAssist and get every dollar your practice deserves.
