More than 70% of providers surveyed by the American Dental Association are seeing an increase of patients experiencing teeth grinding and clenching due to stress.1
Are we listening as providers? When I started to see patterns in my own patients, I became interested in the mental health and dental health connection. Clenching and grinding, managed with a bite splint, can help save tooth structure and reduce the number of broken teeth.
But what about the rest of the body? In some patients, I would see escalated levels of stress-related diseases taking place, including panic attacks or gastrointestinal issues. As providers, we can screen for stress because we see early indicators of stress in the body — clenching and grinding. Stress contributes to many of the top health diseases,2 so it’s nothing to ignore.
We can guide our patients to seek mental health care. These discussions can be uncomfortable, so we must be gentle as we speak about mental health referrals. Therapists and counselors are readily available once patients recognize the need to manage their mental health needs.
As Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s dental director and a practicing dentist, I ask you to join me in helping patients with their mental health needs. Patients need your help in recognizing the signs of stress, and when done thoughtfully and carefully, they will appreciate your professional opinion that will improve their overall health.
For more information on this topic, check out the following podcast:
To help serve your office and Blue Dental patients, Blue Cross hosted one-hour training webinars in February. These trainings covered how to use our provider portal, reference tools, resources and how to get Blue Dental Customer Service support. You can access a copy of the webinar presentation here.
The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s Healthy Kids Dental Back to School provider incentive bonus program continues through March 31, 2022.
As of Oct. 1, 2021, you can earn extra incentive bonuses by providing preventive care to Blue Cross members with Healthy Kids Dental coverage.
You can earn up to $100 total incentive per member, per visit, for services performed Oct. 1, 2021, through March 31, 2022.
You’ll receive bonus payments (in addition to the usual fees) for these services:
Oral evaluations (D0120, D0145, D0150):
$50
Sealants (D1351, D1352):
$20
Fluoride (D1206, D1208):
$15
Cleanings (D1110, D1120):
$15
To receive the extra incentive, submit your claims as usual. The incentive is determined by the codes submitted on your claim (see above) and is paid in addition to your normal contracted rate for that code.
This bonus program is separate from the current Healthy Kids Value-Based Care program from Blue Cross. You’ll earn your bonus for this program, on top of your Health Kids Value-Based Care bonus.
Claims with a date of service between Oct. 1, 2021, through Dec. 31, 2021, must have been submitted by Jan. 31, 2022, for a payout to be received by March 31, 2022.
Claims with a date of service between Jan. 1, 2022, through March 31, 2022, must be submitted by April 30, 2022, for a payout to be received by June 30, 2022.
To receive reimbursement for services through a Medicaid-managed care plan, you must be actively enrolled in CHAMPS. Providers who aren’t enrolled in CHAMPS will not qualify for this bonus.
Thank you for serving Blue Cross’ Healthy Kids Dental members.
Not already a Blue Cross Healthy Kids Dental provider? It’s not too late to join. Click here to enroll.
If you have questions, please reach out to your Blue Dental Provider Engagement manager:
The fastest way to receive your payment is by using electronic claim filing and using an electronic funds transfer, or EFT.
Blue Cross offers dentists the option to file claims electronically or through the provider portal. Both methods of filing claims are quicker and more cost-effective than submitting paper, and payment is faster.
Blue Cross uses DentaQuest’s provider portal as a web-based inquiry system. DentaQuest’s provider portal provides HIPAA compliant transactions. Simply log on to http://provideraccess.dentaquest.com to get started. You’ll need to request an access code. All Blue Cross member transactions are free of charge for contracted providers.
For electronic billing information, call our Electronic Data Interchange department at 1-800-542-0945.
Blue Cross accepts electronic attachments to claims. Contact National Electronic Attachment to register for software, installation and training to help dental offices get started sending X-rays and other attachments electronically. Call NEA at 1-800-782-5150, option 2 or email sales@nea-fast.com.
Go to the Manage Practice tab at the top and click on it.
Scroll down to EFT. Click on it.
Locate the sign-up form, complete and submit as directed.
How do I submit an ortho claim when a group has an increase in benefits?
Increases in benefits aren’t retroactive but, if the ortho benefits increase while the patient is in active ortho treatment, you may be eligible for additional reimbursement. You’ll need to file an additional ADA claim form.
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DentaQuest is an independent company contracted by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan to provide dental services.
Healthy Kids Dental benefits are made available through a program sponsored by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and administered through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is a nonprofit corporation and independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
