|
|
|
|
Important Reminder: Deadline for Texas Medicaid Re-enrollment
As the result of a new federal regulation, all Texas Medicaid providers must periodically revalidate their enrollment in the Medicaid program. Any Texas Medicaid provider that enrolled in Medicaid prior to January 1, 2013, must begin the re-enrollment process immediately in order to remain a participating provider in MCNA's network. We strongly encourage you to begin this process as soon ...
Your Practice
Important Reminder: Deadline for Texas Medicaid Re-enrollment
As the result of a new federal regulation, all Texas Medicaid providers must periodically revalidate their enrollment in the Medicaid program. Any Texas Medicaid provider that enrolled in Medicaid prior to January 1, 2013, must begin the re-enrollment process immediately in order to remain a participating provider in MCNA's network. We strongly encourage you to begin this process as soon ...
|
From the HHSC: Required Use of the Caries Risk Assessment
The Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) staff wishes to re-emphasize that all Texas Medicaid and CHIP dental providers are required to perform caries risk assessments with the following comprehensive examination codes:
- For Medicaid providers, procedure codes D0120, D0145, and D0150 will be denied if a ...
MCNA Updates
From the HHSC: Required Use of the Caries Risk Assessment
The Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) staff wishes to re-emphasize that all Texas Medicaid and CHIP dental providers are required to perform caries risk assessments with the following comprehensive examination codes:
- For Medicaid providers, procedure codes D0120, D0145, and D0150 will be denied if a ...
|
Changes to CDT Procedure Codes for 2016
The American Dental Association (ADA) has released the 2016 version of the Current Dental Terminology (CDT) dental procedure code manual. This bulletin lists the Texas Health Steps (THSteps) dental services benefit changes that have been made to support updates applicable to the Texas CHIP and Medicaid programs. The discontinued and new codes along ...
MCNA Updates
Changes to CDT Procedure Codes for 2016
The American Dental Association (ADA) has released the 2016 version of the Current Dental Terminology (CDT) dental procedure code manual. This bulletin lists the Texas Health Steps (THSteps) dental services benefit changes that have been made to support updates applicable to the Texas CHIP and Medicaid programs. The discontinued and new codes along ...
|
Proper Use of CDT code D0150 for Diagnostic Services
When performing an initial examination utilizing CDT code D0150 for an MCNA member, the documentation of this comprehensive examination must meet the standard of care according to the CDT Dental Procedure Codes and Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE) TAC Rule §108.7. The CDT code description, describes a D0150 as ...
MCNA Updates
Proper Use of CDT code D0150 for Diagnostic Services
When performing an initial examination utilizing CDT code D0150 for an MCNA member, the documentation of this comprehensive examination must meet the standard of care according to the CDT Dental Procedure Codes and Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE) TAC Rule §108.7. The CDT code description, describes a D0150 as ...
|
Tips for Managing Dental Anxiety
Many people experience a little anxiety when contemplating their next visit to the dentist, especially children. If unaddressed, dental anxiety can rise to levels that interfere with the delivery of the care and services your youngest patients need for healthy development and ongoing good oral health. The following tips and behavioral strategies can help you and your patients overcome their fears.
- Information: Provide the appropriate information using understandable words and terminology. Describe the procedure and what the patient will experience, like noises, vibrations, and tastes.
- Relaxation: Use active relaxation strategies for patients who are visibly anxious. Techniques like deep breathing with deep inhalation and slow exhalation can be very useful.
- Distraction: Use toys (as appropriate, for children) and conversation about a pleasant, non-dental topic to divert attention from fears. Other suggestions include TV/movies and video games.
- Reinforcement: Provide positive reinforcement as incentive for "brave behavior" in the chair. Be genuine and use verbal praise and small, tangible rewards like stickers and temporary tattoos.
- Parental Involvement: Utilize the presence of a parent in the treatment room to calm an anxious child. Consider using the parent as your "model" to show what the treatment will involve before you begin the procedure.
Addressing the anxiety patients of all ages may feel during a dental appointment is important to ...
Your Practice
Tips for Managing Dental Anxiety
Many people experience a little anxiety when contemplating their next visit to the dentist, especially children. If unaddressed, dental anxiety can rise to levels that interfere with the delivery of the care and services your youngest patients need for healthy development and ongoing good oral health. The following tips and behavioral strategies can help you and your patients overcome their fears.
- Information: Provide the appropriate information using understandable words and terminology. Describe the procedure and what the patient will experience, like noises, vibrations, and tastes.
- Relaxation: Use active relaxation strategies for patients who are visibly anxious. Techniques like deep breathing with deep inhalation and slow exhalation can be very useful.
- Distraction: Use toys (as appropriate, for children) and conversation about a pleasant, non-dental topic to divert attention from fears. Other suggestions include TV/movies and video games.
- Reinforcement: Provide positive reinforcement as incentive for "brave behavior" in the chair. Be genuine and use verbal praise and small, tangible rewards like stickers and temporary tattoos.
- Parental Involvement: Utilize the presence of a parent in the treatment room to calm an anxious child. Consider using the parent as your "model" to show what the treatment will involve before you begin the procedure.
Addressing the anxiety patients of all ages may feel during a dental appointment is important to ...
|
|
|
|
The Symbolic Smile
What does a smile say to you? Beijing-based artist Yue Minjun is a painter and sculptor who has created a series of paintings depicting "the Symbolic Smile." Minjun developed his style using himself as a model. According to him, "At first you think he's happy, but when you look more carefully, there's something else there...A smile doesn't necessarily mean happiness."
Dental Artwork
What does a smile say to you? Beijing-based artist Yue Minjun is a painter and sculptor who has created a series of paintings depicting "the Symbolic Smile." Minjun developed his style using himself as a model. According to him, "At first you think he's happy, but when you look more carefully, there's something else there...A smile doesn't necessarily mean happiness."
|
|
