How to Properly Do Dental Billing

Dental billing can be complex and overwhelming. From coding procedures to submitting claims, understanding the steps of dental billing is essential in ensuring payments are received quickly and accurately. This guide will outline the basics of completing successful dental billing and provide all the information you need to keep your practice running smoothly. If you would like help, you can speak with a billing professional here.

Understand Basic Dental Code Categories and Taxonomy

When coding dental treatments, it’s essential to understand the system’s four main code categories. These include evaluation and management (E/M), procedure codes, miscellaneous services, and general information. In addition to understanding these categories, you must also be familiar with the current dental taxonomy code to identify providers when submitting claims correctly. Taxonomy codes are made up of nine characters and describe the provider type, specialty, and classification.

Master the Terminology Used in Patient Demographics

In order to successfully process claims for dental billing, you must become familiar with the various terms used to describe patient demographics. This includes primary and secondary insurance, name, address, and contact details. Insurance covers a portion of the billed amount and is usually provided by either an employer or an individual plan. Terminology also includes payor types such as self-pay, Medicaid, or Medicare. It’s essential to correctly identify and record these terms in order to ensure accurate billing and payment processing.

Learn How to Set Up a Claim Processing System

Properly processing dental claims involves setting up a system that can accurately track and record patients, their insurance plans, bills, and payments. An effective system should include proper paperwork and filing to ensure information is accessed quickly and easily by all parties involved. Good filing systems should also include auditing procedures to ensure patient data remains secure and accurate at all times. Although this method has continually been used for practices since the beginning, many have found that reliable software and automated procedures provide a more productive system. Get in touch with one of our recommended companies to learn more about using their software.

Become Familiar With Claim Submission Requirements

To ensure proper dental bills, dentists must become familiar with individual plan requirements for submitting claims. Different insurance companies have different regulations on pretty much all aspects of the claim filing procedure, from patient information to billing codes. To avoid rejections, it is necessary to thoroughly go through each company’s specific requirements for claim submission and make sure your office follows them accurately.

Investigate Your Payor Network Options and Requirements

Before setting up a dental billing system, it is important to research and understand the payor network of plans in your area. Investigate the insurance companies accepted by local dentists and other healthcare providers, as well as their outlines for coverage, patient information, proper coding methods, and claims processing. Knowledge of these specifics will help ensure accuracy in your claim submission process and accidental rejections.