MCNA Dental
Dental Details  •  Monthly Provider Newsletter
Texas Edition  •  August 2020
Corporate Website
Social Media Profiles
Texas Provider Hotline
1-855-776-6262
 
Revisions to section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act
Revisions to section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has revised section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act, which previously required health care providers to include nondiscrimination notices and taglines indicating the availability of language assistance services in all communication with their patients.

Effective August 18, 2020, a new amendment will take effect to repeal the old requirement. HHS has stated that the "requirement caused significant unanticipated expenses" caused by the confusion of what is considered significant ...

Your Practice
Revisions to section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has revised section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act, which previously required health care providers to include nondiscrimination notices and taglines indicating the availability of language assistance services in all communication with their patients.

Effective August 18, 2020, a new amendment will take effect to repeal the old requirement. HHS has stated that the "requirement caused significant unanticipated expenses" caused by the confusion of what is considered significant ...

New PPE Tax Credit Legislation
New PPE Tax Credit Legislation

The American Dental Association (ADA) announced its support for a new bill asking for a $25,000 tax credit for small businesses. This includes dental practices and allows them to purchase personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Since the start of the pandemic, many dental practices across the country had to limit their services to emergencies only or close completely. In order to ...

Your Practice
New PPE Tax Credit Legislation

The American Dental Association (ADA) announced its support for a new bill asking for a $25,000 tax credit for small businesses. This includes dental practices and allows them to purchase personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Since the start of the pandemic, many dental practices across the country had to limit their services to emergencies only or close completely. In order to ...

The Role of Dentists in the Current Vaping Spike
The Role of Dentists in the Current Vaping Spike

The American Dental Association (ADA), along with dentists, educators, and other health advocates, continues to work towards the full elimination of all tobacco products. In response to the current vaping epidemic, the ADA adopted a new interim policy on vaping last December. The policy calls for a total ban on the usage of all vaping products that are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the sole purpose of tobacco cessation.

While research on the effects of vaping on oral health continues, existing data suggests that ...

Communication
The Role of Dentists in the Current Vaping Spike

The American Dental Association (ADA), along with dentists, educators, and other health advocates, continues to work towards the full elimination of all tobacco products. In response to the current vaping epidemic, the ADA adopted a new interim policy on vaping last December. The policy calls for a total ban on the usage of all vaping products that are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the sole purpose of tobacco cessation.

While research on the effects of vaping on oral health continues, existing data suggests that ...

Coverage Determinations and Utilization Management
Coverage Determinations and Utilization Management

MCNA uses evidence-based clinical guidelines from nationally recognized authorities to make decisions in our Utilization Management (UM) program. Specifically, we review any request for the prior authorization of services to determine if members are eligible for benefits and whether the service they request is a medically necessary covered benefit under the dental plan. We also determine if the service to be delivered is consistent with established guidelines.

Our clinical reviewers, all licensed dentists, base MCNA's UM decisions on the right type of care and service to meet the needs of our members using MCNA's Utilization Criteria and Clinical Practice Guidelines. We don't pay or reward practitioners, employees or other individuals for denying coverage or care.

To enhance our network providers' experience, MCNA offers peer-to-peer consultations with our clinical reviewers. The peer-to-peer process enables our participating providers to discuss clinical determinations, including ...

Utilization Management
Coverage Determinations and Utilization Management

MCNA uses evidence-based clinical guidelines from nationally recognized authorities to make decisions in our Utilization Management (UM) program. Specifically, we review any request for the prior authorization of services to determine if members are eligible for benefits and whether the service they request is a medically necessary covered benefit under the dental plan. We also determine if the service to be delivered is consistent with established guidelines.

Our clinical reviewers, all licensed dentists, base MCNA's UM decisions on the right type of care and service to meet the needs of our members using MCNA's Utilization Criteria and Clinical Practice Guidelines. We don't pay or reward practitioners, employees or other individuals for denying coverage or care.

To enhance our network providers' experience, MCNA offers peer-to-peer consultations with our clinical reviewers. The peer-to-peer process enables our participating providers to discuss clinical determinations, including ...

Standards for Member Dental Record Documentation
Standards for Member Dental Record Documentation

Ensuring our members have access to high quality dental care is one of MCNA's highest priorities. In support of that goal, we have established standards for dental record documentation to help promote quality care through communication and consistent, effective treatment. You can find complete information about required dental record standards in MCNA's Provider Manual, which you can always access online through your Provider Portal account.

In addition to routinely documenting all required information in the member dental record, your office is responsible for ...

Quality Improvement
Standards for Member Dental Record Documentation

Ensuring our members have access to high quality dental care is one of MCNA's highest priorities. In support of that goal, we have established standards for dental record documentation to help promote quality care through communication and consistent, effective treatment. You can find complete information about required dental record standards in MCNA's Provider Manual, which you can always access online through your Provider Portal account.

In addition to routinely documenting all required information in the member dental record, your office is responsible for ...

MCNA's Kids Zone
MCNA's Kids Zone

Dive into MCNA's new Kids Zone website! Our underwater theme park is filled with videos, games, and activities designed to help children and families have fun while they learn about good oral health. We invite you to visit the Kids Zone and join our cast of colorful ocean-dwelling characters for a deep sea dental adventure!

Children's Corner
MCNA's Kids Zone

Dive into MCNA's new Kids Zone website! Our underwater theme park is filled with videos, games, and activities designed to help children and families have fun while they learn about good oral health. We invite you to visit the Kids Zone and join our cast of colorful ocean-dwelling characters for a deep sea dental adventure!

National Grandparents Day - September 13
National Grandparents Day - September 13

National Grandparents Day is celebrated each year on the first Sunday after Labor Day. This holiday is a great opportunity for everyone to honor their grandparents. Many people believe that this day was inspired by the efforts of Marian McQuade who worked to educate people about the importance of senior citizens and their invaluable contributions to society during the 1970s. The first ...

Upcoming Events
National Grandparents Day - September 13

National Grandparents Day is celebrated each year on the first Sunday after Labor Day. This holiday is a great opportunity for everyone to honor their grandparents. Many people believe that this day was inspired by the efforts of Marian McQuade who worked to educate people about the importance of senior citizens and their invaluable contributions to society during the 1970s. The first ...

National Childhood Obesity Month
National Childhood Obesity Month

September is National Childhood Obesity Month. There are many ways to promote healthy growth and prevent obesity in children. Children who struggle with obesity are at a much higher risk of suffering from asthma, sleep disorders, bone and joint problems, and type 2 diabetes. Unfortunately, children with obesity are teased and bullied more than their normal weight peers. This can be the cause of social isolation, depression, and lower self-esteem.

Some factors that lead to childhood obesity are lack of exercise and sleep, easy access to ...

Upcoming Events
National Childhood Obesity Month

September is National Childhood Obesity Month. There are many ways to promote healthy growth and prevent obesity in children. Children who struggle with obesity are at a much higher risk of suffering from asthma, sleep disorders, bone and joint problems, and type 2 diabetes. Unfortunately, children with obesity are teased and bullied more than their normal weight peers. This can be the cause of social isolation, depression, and lower self-esteem.

Some factors that lead to childhood obesity are lack of exercise and sleep, easy access to ...