Feb 8, 2022
Have you heard of the federally implemented “No Surprises Act?” Were you aware that it applies to dentists? The No Surprises Act protects uninsured and self-pay patients from receiving surprise medical bills. So what does that mean for your practice? Find out in this episode of Talking with the Toothcop!
As of 1/1/2022, you need to provide patients an estimate of anticipated charges for dental services, i.e. “Good Faith Estimates” or GFEs. They must be provided upon request or upon scheduling an appointment—well in advance of the treatment plans and financial estimates you may be currently providing.
Because you’re already providing financial estimates in advance of service, does that mean you’re exempt? NOPE. Sorry to tell you, that’s not the case. At this time, it applies to uninsured and self-pay patients. It may apply to insured patients in the future.
Here are the basics:
You need to implement a good faith form in your practice. You have to issue this to current and new uninsured and self-pay patients before you provide—or continue providing—services. This applies to anyone who even contacts your office. If they ask what you charge for a dental cleaning, you have to provide them with that estimate.
What else do you need to know?
None of this is difficult. But it is just one more thing you have to implement. That’s why we’ve created a toolkit for you to help you implement this in your practice.
If there is a difference of more than $400 between your GFE and billed charges, the patient can initiate a billing dispute that the HHS can investigate. Those decisions are reviewed by a third-party contractor. If the decision doesn’t go in your favor, you can lose out on legitimately earned fees. Secondly, this may become like HIPAA. A complaint may lead to your practice being audited and civil monitoring down the road.
ProEdge Dental Water Labs: https://ProEdgeDental.com/Toothcop
Protective Dental: https://DentalCompliance.com/DrugKit