Requirements for Sedation Services
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) implemented new pediatric sedation policies on July 1, 2017, and as a result, the requirements for Medicaid dental providers rendering sedation services have changed. All Medicaid dental records must contain documentation to support that the sedation provided was medically necessary and that the sedation services were conducted within the standard of care and comply with the Texas Administrative Code (TAC)/Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE) requirements specified in 22 TAC § 108.7 (2014), 22 TAC § 108.8 (2014) and 22 TAC § 110.4 (2011). Specifically, the dentist administering the sedation must remain in the operatory room to monitor the patient until the patient meets the criteria for discharge to the recovery area at which time the dentist may delegate monitoring to a qualified dental auxiliary. We want to help you understand the new HHSC sedation policies to ensure that your office is compliant with all of the documentation, equipment, and licensure requirements for this important service. Please read on carefully for further details.
MCNA Updates
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) implemented new pediatric sedation policies on July 1, 2017, and as a result, the requirements for Medicaid dental providers rendering sedation services have changed. All Medicaid dental records must contain documentation to support that the sedation provided was medically necessary and that the sedation services were conducted within the standard of care and comply with the Texas Administrative Code (TAC)/Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE) requirements specified in 22 TAC § 108.7 (2014), 22 TAC § 108.8 (2014) and 22 TAC § 110.4 (2011). Specifically, the dentist administering the sedation must remain in the operatory room to monitor the patient until the patient meets the criteria for discharge to the recovery area at which time the dentist may delegate monitoring to a qualified dental auxiliary. We want to help you understand the new HHSC sedation policies to ensure that your office is compliant with all of the documentation, equipment, and licensure requirements for this important service. Please read on carefully for further details. |
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Update: Hurricane Harvey CHIP Copay Waiver
An important update has been made to the requirements for the waiver of CHIP copayments on dental services provided to CHIP members who qualify due to the effects of Hurricane Harvey. The time frame in which a provider may submit an invoice and attestation form to receive reimbursement for qualifying waived CHIP copayments is ...
MCNA Updates
An important update has been made to the requirements for the waiver of CHIP copayments on dental services provided to CHIP members who qualify due to the effects of Hurricane Harvey. The time frame in which a provider may submit an invoice and attestation form to receive reimbursement for qualifying waived CHIP copayments is ... |
Click on the YTBC Medicaid Provider Portal Link to Access Medicaid Health Information
Are you having a hard time accessing a Medicaid patient's health information? The YourTexasBenefitsCard (YTBC) website can help with that. Whether the client is in fee-for-service or part of a Managed Care Organization or ...
MCNA Updates
Are you having a hard time accessing a Medicaid patient's health information? The YourTexasBenefitsCard (YTBC) website can help with that. Whether the client is in fee-for-service or part of a Managed Care Organization or ... |
Addressing Work-Related Aches and Pains
In late 2017, the American Dental Association (ADA) published a report summarizing the findings of its 2015 Dentist Well-Being Survey, which was intended to shed light on how a host of factors affect the reported well-being of the dental community. According to the report, 31% of responding dentists reported pain or discomfort in the neck, and 29% reported pain or discomfort in the lower back. The neck, shoulder, and upper and lower back topped the list of areas that dentists identified as interfering with their work. Work-related pain continues to be a major issue for dental professionals - the repetitive nature of the postures and motions of dentistry, and the types of sustained muscular contractions necessary put dentists at increased risk for musculoskeletal problems. The ADA encourages dentists to take steps to improve ergonomics that can help stop pain before it starts. If you already suffer aches and pain that you feel are linked to the workplace, they recommend addressing them by:
You can learn more about the McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy on the McKenzie Institute USA website. To view the full version of the ADA's 2015 Dentist Well-Being Survey Report, please click here.
Your Practice
In late 2017, the American Dental Association (ADA) published a report summarizing the findings of its 2015 Dentist Well-Being Survey, which was intended to shed light on how a host of factors affect the reported well-being of the dental community. According to the report, 31% of responding dentists reported pain or discomfort in the neck, and 29% reported pain or discomfort in the lower back. The neck, shoulder, and upper and lower back topped the list of areas that dentists identified as interfering with their work. Work-related pain continues to be a major issue for dental professionals - the repetitive nature of the postures and motions of dentistry, and the types of sustained muscular contractions necessary put dentists at increased risk for musculoskeletal problems. The ADA encourages dentists to take steps to improve ergonomics that can help stop pain before it starts. If you already suffer aches and pain that you feel are linked to the workplace, they recommend addressing them by:
You can learn more about the McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy on the McKenzie Institute USA website. To view the full version of the ADA's 2015 Dentist Well-Being Survey Report, please click here. |
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Electronic Funds Transfer: A Timesaving Cash Management Tool
At MCNA, we continually evaluate our services to ensure that we provide you with the best tools to help you effectively manage your practice. We are pleased to be able to offer you electronic funds transfer (EFT) as a convenient way to save time and hassle when it comes to cash management in your office. EFTs allow MCNA to complete the payment of your claims by electronically ...
MCNA Updates
At MCNA, we continually evaluate our services to ensure that we provide you with the best tools to help you effectively manage your practice. We are pleased to be able to offer you electronic funds transfer (EFT) as a convenient way to save time and hassle when it comes to cash management in your office. EFTs allow MCNA to complete the payment of your claims by electronically ... |
Is Your Practice Information Up-to-Date?
Keeping MCNA updated with your dental practice information when changes occur is important to both you and your patients. When you report practice changes, we are able to relay correct information to our members regarding your location, hours of operation, and contact information to make an appointment. Accurate practice information also assists us in processing your claims without unnecessary delay. As a best ...
Your Practice
Keeping MCNA updated with your dental practice information when changes occur is important to both you and your patients. When you report practice changes, we are able to relay correct information to our members regarding your location, hours of operation, and contact information to make an appointment. Accurate practice information also assists us in processing your claims without unnecessary delay. As a best ... |
Good Nutrition for Healthy Smiles
Help children learn more about the value of good nutrition for better oral and whole-body health with resources from the Whole Kids Foundation. This foundation is dedicated to supporting and inspiring children and families to make positive changes in the ways they eat for better health and wellness. The Whole Kids Foundation website features tools, tips, and great ideas that provide nutritional and educational enrichment for kids of all ages. Visit the Whole Kids Club at https://www.wholekidsfoundation.org/kids-club/ to source activities, recipe ideas, book recommendations, and more.
Children's Corner
Help children learn more about the value of good nutrition for better oral and whole-body health with resources from the Whole Kids Foundation. This foundation is dedicated to supporting and inspiring children and families to make positive changes in the ways they eat for better health and wellness. The Whole Kids Foundation website features tools, tips, and great ideas that provide nutritional and educational enrichment for kids of all ages. Visit the Whole Kids Club at https://www.wholekidsfoundation.org/kids-club/ to source activities, recipe ideas, book recommendations, and more. |
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Dental Assistants Recognition Week: March 4 - 10
Dental Assistants Recognition Week shines a spotlight on dental assistants and their responsibilities in supporting a successful dental practice. According to the American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA), this year's theme "Advancing the Profession Through Collaboration and Leadership" acknowledges the growing role that dentistry plays in overall health care. Dental assistants are committed to strengthening the entire practice, and help to enhance the total patient experience in quality dental care. The ADAA's website hosts a selection of easy-to-use resources that can help you organize and publicize your own Dental Assistants Recognition Week.
Upcoming Events
Dental Assistants Recognition Week shines a spotlight on dental assistants and their responsibilities in supporting a successful dental practice. According to the American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA), this year's theme "Advancing the Profession Through Collaboration and Leadership" acknowledges the growing role that dentistry plays in overall health care. Dental assistants are committed to strengthening the entire practice, and help to enhance the total patient experience in quality dental care. The ADAA's website hosts a selection of easy-to-use resources that can help you organize and publicize your own Dental Assistants Recognition Week. |
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