The ADA has released two online guides relating to third-party payment programs available at ADA.org that, according to the association, are intended to help smooth the path of reopening practices.
The two guides are "Handling Contract Negotiations" and "Handling Eligibility Verification."
In the guide focused on contract negotiations, the ADA makes a very blunt and timely statement: "The ADA anticipates that the cost of care will substantially increase for dental procedures. Under these circumstances, dental offices may see the need to readjust their fee schedules."
Meanwhile, in the guide focused on eligibility verification, the ADA states that with high rates of unemployment, it is likely that patients coming in for appointments may have recent changes in their employment situation. It is essential, then, that dental offices verify eligibility on the date of service to avoid recoupment requests in the future.