HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The human papilloma virus* can be contracted through sexual activity, but if the virus is in the mouth or throat, it can be spread through drops of saliva. Left untreated and undetected, there is an increased risk for developing six types of cancers, including oropharyngeal cancer, also known as oral cancer.
Seventy percent of oral cancers are caused by HPV. Symptoms can include chronic sore throat, hoarseness, swollen lymph nodes, pain when swallowing and weight loss. However, some people experience no symptoms associated with their oral cancer.
How can dentists help prevent HPV and oral cancer?
The HPV vaccine was developed to prevent cancer of the reproductive system but also protects against oral cancers. The HPV vaccine is recommended for 11 to 12-year-olds. However, anyone under the age of 26 can be vaccinated at any time. The vaccine should be administered prior to exposure of HPV to be most effective.
Tell your patients about the HPV and oral cancer connection and the importance of the HPV vaccine for their children. For more information on the HPV vaccine, check out “A Doctor Answers your HPV Questions.”*
Orthodontic lifetime max increase
When submitting a continuity of care orthodontic claim for additional lifetime maximum benefit, use the following instructions:
Use code D8999.
Input the procedure date (DOS) to reflect the month of the group’s effective date and the new benefit year (the date the new plan became effective with the ortho max increase).
This date should not be the original banding date.
Indicate in the remarks section that this is a lifetime max increase and the remaining number of treatment months.
New Dental Resource Center available for members
The Dental Resource Center contains a wide array of dental health care tools and resources to help members make cost-effective, oral health care a priority. The website includes:
Dental wellness resources
Ask a dentist section
A cost estimator
Your Blue Dental patients can access this information by logging into their Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan member account. Encourage your patients to visit the Dental Resource Center to learn more about dental wellness and health conditions.
How do I check my patient’s eligibility?
To check your patients’ eligibility, log into the provider portal and then, under the Member tab, select Check eligibility. Or you can call Customer Service at 1‑888‑826‑8152. You must use only the nine-digit alpha or numerical portion of the subscriber ID for eligibility verification. You don’t need to use the first three letters.
What is the group number versus the client number?
The client number is the same as the group number in the provider portal. The two can be used interchangeably.
How do I add, remove and update my office’s information in the portal?
Providers can’t update office information directly in the portal. Contact your network contract owner to request any changes.
Would you like to submit something for the Question Corner?
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.
