One-day workshop focuses on expanding coding skills, smoothing out insurance processes

Continuing education course set for April 19 at ADA Headquarters

The in-person workshop Dental Coding and Insurance in a Day, scheduled for April 19 at ADA Headquarters in Chicago, will educate dentists and their team members on working together to get claims paid and satisfy patients.

“Today's insurance coordinator has to keep up with changing plan designs, legal updates and regulatory compliance,” said Teresa Duncan, a dental coding expert leading the workshop. “Inefficient insurance management will negatively impact profitability. Without profitability, a doctor cannot invest in their team or new technologies.”

Worth six continuing education hours, the course is the brainchild of Ms. Duncan, a frequent contributor to the ADA’s CDT Coding Companion. A member of the National Speakers Association and National Association of Dental Plans, she is the recipient of a lifetime achievement award from the American Association of Dental Office Management. She is also the host of the podcasts "Nobody Told Me That!" and "Chew on This!"

Dentists and their staff will learn how to manage information and claims to minimize delays and rejections, with even the practice’s more experienced coders benefiting from the documentation and updated codes section, Ms. Duncan said.

“My attendees are often surprised by the discussion of Medicare Advantage rules as well as non-covered services,” she said. “It's important to know your legal obligations when dealing with these issues.”

Ms. Duncan said it’s vital to clearly understand and communicate benefits and financial obligations.

“How you deliver information is crucial to patient case acceptance,” she said.

The course ‘s educational objectives include learning the guidelines on building an effective insurance system; receiving proven tips on how to obtain reimbursement, including management of documentation and attachments; discovering the best practices for generating and reviewing reports; and discussing patient trends, including verbal skills for financial conversations. 

To register for this course, visit CE.ADA.org.