Updated March 26, 2020 to note that cost share is not waived for members of the Federal Employee Program.
Due to the COVID-19 virus that has closed dental offices in Massachusetts and throughout the United States for non-emergency services, Dental Blue announces the following interim change:
Until further notice, we will cover consultations by telephone or video (“virtual consultations”) between dental providers and their patients, effective March 23, 2020, for all members who already have coverage for problem-focused exams (D0140), with no cost share (deductible, copayment, or co-insurance).*
*Cost share is not waived for members of the Federal Employee Program.
Dentists: How to bill for telephonic services
- Report virtual consultation services using CDT code D0140 (Limited Oral Evaluation – Problem Focused).
- Virtual consultations should be patient-initiated and related to a specific dental problem which would otherwise have required an in-person office visit.
- In the patient’s chart, please document the problem that necessitated the telephone or video consultation and what you recommended to the patient.
How to check for eligibility and benefits
- Dentists can use Dental Connect for Providers, a multi-payer solution that allows you to check member benefits and eligibility, copayments, and other benefit information quickly.
- Oral surgeons can use Online Services for medical benefits and eligibility verification, and to check the status of claims.
- To access these tools, log in to Provider Central and select eTools.
Watch MDS Society website for recommendations
Please continue to refer to the Massachusetts Dental Society’s coronavirus webpage for specific guidance to dental practices, including their recommendations about when practices can open again to patients.
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