The Dental Billing Podcast: Recent Episodes
Ericka Aguilar
The Dental Billing Podcast is here to give you tips, tricks, and billing hacks every dental biller needs to know. Whether you are a seasoned biller or you are new to the billing arena we have an episode for you. We are going to talk about everything dental billing with your host, Ericka Aguilar.
Got questions? Send Ericka a Text!
Less than 1% of denials get appealed in the real world, yet regulators have found appeal reversal rates that should stop every dental office in its tracks. We pull apart what that contradiction tells us: denials are not just “one-off mistakes,” they can be a business model that survives on provider exhaustion, unclear standards, and paperwork loops that quietly delay payment until you give up.
We walk through the hidden source material most billers never read market conduct examinations, consent orders, and enforcement actions where the state audits the insurance carrier and publishes what it finds. From “sequential” documentation requests to denial language that fails to explain what would make a claim payable, these reports turn gut feelings into quotable evidence. We also explain why a fine is effectively a written confession: it shows which behavior could not survive an audit and gives you leverage to reverse engineer your next appeal and escalation.
Then we get practical. Clean claim is a legal term tied to prompt pay law, and understanding it changes how you respond to additional information requests designed to stop the clock. We share two calm questions you can use immediately: ask for the filed policy provision that supports the denial, and ask which licensed clinician reviewed the claim and whether they reviewed the submitted documentation. Finally, we zoom out to pattern recognition: denial rates, overturn rates, time-to-payment, and filing complaints with the right regulator based on plan type, including ERISA self-funded plans and the US Department of Labor.
If you want smarter dental billing appeals and stronger denial management, listen now, subscribe for more, and share this with a biller who is tired of water-gun tactics. What denial pattern are you seeing most in your office?
Interested in a Demo of Dentiq - The Billing Command Center? Get on the interest list here:
https://4063-dentiq.systeme.io/waitlist
Get your Dental Billing Toolkit Here:
https://www.dentalbillingdoneright.com/the-dental-billing-toolkit
Download "The Most Underused Codes in Dentistry - And How to Get Them Paid" checklist here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfxnnfSlNd0NPhMoBWq-1D_xU5R8LS4xPhHNKIjfLQwStOUag/viewform?usp=header
Schedule a billing chat with Ericka:
https://calendly.com/ericka-dentalbillingdoneright/30min
Email Ericka:
ericka@dentalbillingdoneright.com
Email Jen:
jen@dentalbillingdoneright.com
Got questions? Send Ericka a Text!
A huge amount of dental practice revenue doesn’t disappear because patients refuse to pay or because insurance “just won’t cover it.” It disappears because someone clicks an adjustment code and the money evaporates without a clear name, a written policy, or a second look. That quiet leak is what I call adjustment slop, and once you learn to spot it, you won’t be able to unsee it.
We start by separating two concepts that too many offices blur together: write offs versus adjustments. Write offs are contractual and tied to your PPO fee schedule. Adjustments are choices, like courtesy discounts, employee perks, hardship cases, marketing promos, or quick “fixes” that make an awkward balance go away. When everything gets dumped into one generic bucket, you lose the story your data is trying to tell. You can’t manage what you can’t see, and you definitely can’t make smart decisions about participation, profitability, or team habits.
Then I walk you through the five types of adjustment slop I see when I take billing departments apart: habit adjustments, cover up adjustments that bury unworked claims, lazy courtesy with no authority, “corrections” that hide posting errors, and bad debt adjustments that happen before real collection steps. You’ll also get my teardown method you can do tonight: pull a 12 month adjustment report, sort by type, and ask one yes or no question for each label: is there a written policy behind this?
If you want your billing reports to be real management tools, not financial guesswork, hit play, pull your report, and start labeling money with intention. Subscribe, share this with your office manager, and leave a review if it helps you stop the leak.
Interested in a Demo of Dentiq - The Billing Command Center? Get on the interest list here:
https://4063-dentiq.systeme.io/waitlist
Get your Dental Billing Toolkit Here:
https://www.dentalbillingdoneright.com/the-dental-billing-toolkit
Download "The Most Underused Codes in Dentistry - And How to Get Them Paid" checklist here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfxnnfSlNd0NPhMoBWq-1D_xU5R8LS4xPhHNKIjfLQwStOUag/viewform?usp=header
Schedule a billing chat with Ericka:
https://calendly.com/ericka-dentalbillingdoneright/30min
Email Ericka:
ericka@dentalbillingdoneright.com
Email Jen:
jen@dentalbillingdoneright.com
Got questions? Send Ericka a Text!
Less than 1% of denied dental claims ever get appealed and insurance companies are counting on you to be in the other 99%. I walk you through the denial management mindset shift that changes everything: stop treating the third appeal like the edge of the map and start using the tools that actually hold payers accountable, including your state insurance commissioner for fully insured plans.
We get practical and specific about what makes a denial “unreasonable” or “bad faith” and how to spot the pattern: benefits are active, eligibility is confirmed, documentation supports dental necessity, and the claim still comes back denied. I also explain why we start with state and federal laws before we obsess over codes, because language like prompt pay, network leasing, and silent PPO issues gives your conversations more weight. Then we clean up common risk areas by separating an honest mistake, a contract violation, and fraud, because mixing those up can put a practice in real trouble.
From there, we talk tactics: why copy-and-paste appeal templates can work against you in a world where insurers use AI to review claims, and what to use instead. Think ICD-10 diagnosis codes, strong narratives, and patient-specific clinical details that make your claim defensible. Finally, I share documented enforcement examples, including a major fine tied to undisclosed “phantom” frequency limits, and why complaints to regulators compound over time.
If you want a denial process that protects patients and stops leaving money on the table, listen all the way through, then subscribe, share this with your office team, and leave a review so more billers learn how to escalate the right way.
Sources referenced in this episode:
- Appeal rate / upheld rate: KFF analysis of CMS data — fewer than 1% of denied ACA marketplace claims are appealed; insurers uphold ~56% of appeals (2023 data), 66% (2024 data). Medicare Advantage: ~57% of appealed denials overturned. (On air we used these instead of the "59% upheld because nobody appealed" framing, which conflated the appeal rate with the uphold-on-appeal rate.)
- Delta Dental of Washington: Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner fined Delta Dental + its health care benefits manager (Wyssta) $130,000 (Oct/Nov 2024) for, among other things, denying claims based on time/frequency limits not filed with or approved by the state; 7 service types and 50 billing codes had undisclosed limits. Triggered by consumer complaints. This is an actual regulatory fine.
- Self-funded vs. fully insured (the "federal path" mention): The commissioner regulates fully insured plans. Self-funded employer plans fall under federal ERISA law and route to the U.S. Department of Labor (EBSA) instead, not the state commissioner. This is covered in depth in the full denial management talk, not this episode. (Government and church plans are a further exception.)
- Cigna PxDx: 2023 class action (E.D. Cal.), citing ProPublica reporting — ~300,000 denials in two months, avg. 1.2 seconds per claim, "we literally click and submit." Court allowed the case to proceed March 2025 (abuse of discretion). This is litigation, not a fine — described on air as a lawsuit/court ruling.
- UnitedHealth nH Predict: Class action (D. Minn.) alleging a 90% error rate on the AI tool and that ~0.2% of policyholders appeal. Court ordered algorithm disclosure in 2026. Allegations in active litigation — stated as such on air.
- The "0.2% will appeal" motive appears in both the Cigna and UnitedHealth complaints as an allegation of intent.
Interested in a Demo of Dentiq - The Billing Command Center? Get on the interest list here:
https://4063-dentiq.systeme.io/waitlist
Get your Dental Billing Toolkit Here:
https://www.dentalbillingdoneright.com/the-dental-billing-toolkit
Download "The Most Underused Codes in Dentistry - And How to Get Them Paid" checklist here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfxnnfSlNd0NPhMoBWq-1D_xU5R8LS4xPhHNKIjfLQwStOUag/viewform?usp=header
Schedule a billing chat with Ericka:
https://calendly.com/ericka-dentalbillingdoneright/30min
Email Ericka:
ericka@dentalbillingdoneright.com
Email Jen:
jen@dentalbillingdoneright.com
Got questions? Send Ericka a Text!
Dental billing can look smooth from the outside, but that “smooth” is usually one person doing a mountain of detailed, high-stakes work behind the scenes. We’re sharing a quick, focused message about Dental Billers Appreciation Day and why it matters for every practice that depends on clean claims, accurate coding, and steady collections.
You’ll hear how a conversation with Qiana Craig (Ask the Biller) about Medical Billers Appreciation Day sent us down a research rabbit hole and revealed something surprising: dental billers didn’t have a day of their own. So we created one. That story opens up a bigger theme we live by in dental office administration and practice management, if you don’t see the space you need, build it.
We also get real about what the job requires: deep organisation, constant follow-up, tech skills across modern billing tools, and the discipline to keep up with changing codes and systems in today’s dental economy. Dental revenue cycle management doesn’t run on luck, it runs on expertise. Dental Billers Appreciation Day is July 20 every year, so mark your calendar and do something meaningful for the person who helps keep your practice financially healthy. If this resonates, subscribe, share it with your team, and leave a review so more dental offices start giving billers the credit they’ve earned.
Interested in a Demo of Dentiq - The Billing Command Center? Get on the interest list here:
https://4063-dentiq.systeme.io/waitlist
Get your Dental Billing Toolkit Here:
https://www.dentalbillingdoneright.com/the-dental-billing-toolkit
Download "The Most Underused Codes in Dentistry - And How to Get Them Paid" checklist here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfxnnfSlNd0NPhMoBWq-1D_xU5R8LS4xPhHNKIjfLQwStOUag/viewform?usp=header
Schedule a billing chat with Ericka:
https://calendly.com/ericka-dentalbillingdoneright/30min
Email Ericka:
ericka@dentalbillingdoneright.com
Email Jen:
jen@dentalbillingdoneright.com
Got questions? Send Ericka a Text!
Your insurance AR report is trying to tell you the truth, but most of us only glance at the total and walk away with more anxiety than clarity. I’m Erica Aguilar, and I’m breaking down how to read the story behind the numbers so you can tell, with real confidence, whether your dental billing department is performing well or quietly leaking time and money.
We start with the biggest mindset shift: dollars alone don’t equal performance. I’ll show you how to turn each insurance AR aging bucket into a percentage so you can compare month over month and spot patterns that individual claims can’t reveal. You’ll get clear dental billing KPIs and benchmarks, including what “healthy” looks like when 92% of your insurance money is paid within 30 days, and why a heavy 90+ day category should trigger curiosity, not panic. From there, we talk through the questions that uncover root causes like late claims, missing attachments, delayed clinical documentation, weak claim construction, and payers that keep pushing you past state prompt pay laws.
We also widen the lens beyond insurance AR. I explain why patient AR tells a different story, why the credit balance report can expose compliance issues and unclaimed property risk, how to trend denials by payer and CDT code, and how poor fee schedule maintenance can inflate write-offs and create bad patient balances. Then we get practical with the claims correction list, the simple tool that creates visibility where most practices have none.
If you want a concrete next step, I give you homework to pull your key reports, start tracking denial reasons, and implement the free claims correction list from the show notes. Subscribe, share this with your office manager or biller, and leave a review with one question you want your reports to answer next.
Interested in a Demo of Dentiq - The Billing Command Center? Get on the interest list here:
https://4063-dentiq.systeme.io/waitlist
Get your Dental Billing Toolkit Here:
https://www.dentalbillingdoneright.com/the-dental-billing-toolkit
Download "The Most Underused Codes in Dentistry - And How to Get Them Paid" checklist here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfxnnfSlNd0NPhMoBWq-1D_xU5R8LS4xPhHNKIjfLQwStOUag/viewform?usp=header
Schedule a billing chat with Ericka:
https://calendly.com/ericka-dentalbillingdoneright/30min
Email Ericka:
ericka@dentalbillingdoneright.com
Email Jen:
jen@dentalbillingdoneright.com
Got questions? Send Ericka a Text!
I want to share something with you this week that I don't usually talk about.
For years, Jen and I carried an idea we couldn't shake. We knew dental billing better than almost anyone, and we kept saying the same thing to each other. Somebody needs to fix this. Eventually, we realized that somebody was us.
What followed was not a clean, easy story. We flew to Arizona and locked ourselves away to get everything out of our heads and onto paper. We sat across from one of the most respected people in dentistry and got advice that was brutal, the opposite of what I wanted to hear. We turned down money that was on the table because we wanted full control, no holdbacks. And there was a stretch where it got so quiet that someone close to us asked if we had given up.
I'll be honest with you. There was a moment I wondered if I'd made the wrong call.
In this week's episode, I'm taking you all the way behind the scenes. The offers we said no to, the advice that changed everything, the doubt I rarely admit out loud, and the moment a room full of dentists showed me it was all worth it. I'm documenting this whole journey on purpose, so that you can learn from it too.
Interested in a Demo of Dentiq - The Billing Command Center? Get on the interest list here:
https://4063-dentiq.systeme.io/waitlist
Get your Dental Billing Toolkit Here:
https://www.dentalbillingdoneright.com/the-dental-billing-toolkit
Download "The Most Underused Codes in Dentistry - And How to Get Them Paid" checklist here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfxnnfSlNd0NPhMoBWq-1D_xU5R8LS4xPhHNKIjfLQwStOUag/viewform?usp=header
Schedule a billing chat with Ericka:
https://calendly.com/ericka-dentalbillingdoneright/30min
Email Ericka:
ericka@dentalbillingdoneright.com
Email Jen:
jen@dentalbillingdoneright.com
Got questions? Send Ericka a Text!
Twenty browser tabs. Constant timeouts. Portals that never match your workflow. If you’ve ever felt like dental billing is less about skill and more about surviving fragmentation, we’re saying the quiet part out loud and giving you a clearer path forward. Jen and I unpack the “command center” concept: the practical system that pulls critical billing knowledge out of sticky notes, personal notebooks, and one overwhelmed team member’s memory, then turns it into a shared, durable source of truth.
We talk through what actually belongs in that command center so a practice can run with consistency: credentialing and CAQH details, NPIs and tax IDs, portal access and payment methods, EOB and EFT storage, end-of-day reporting, and a structured billing meeting framework that gives the doctor real visibility beyond “what’s in the bank.” We also dig into the cultural side of billing performance, including why doctors often measure the wrong things, why billers feel personally attacked by questions that should be normal, and how simple structures like pre-meeting forms and situational reports change the tone and the outcomes.
Then we shift into what we’re building next. Insurance has used AI in claims adjudication for decades, and too many practices are still fighting denials with manual work, copied templates, and hours of chasing. We share what we’re beta testing now: an API-integrated billing command center designed to reduce the grind by automating pieces like EFT retrieval, eligibility, claim tracing, denial tracking, and appeal letter generation, so the biller can spend more time making decisions and less time hunting for data. If you want to see what it looks like, grab the link in the show notes, join the wait list, and book a quick demo, then subscribe, share, and leave a review so more practices can stop running billing on hard mode.
Interested in a Demo of Dentiq - The Billing Command Center? Get on the interest list here:
https://4063-dentiq.systeme.io/waitlist
Get your Dental Billing Toolkit Here:
https://www.dentalbillingdoneright.com/the-dental-billing-toolkit
Download "The Most Underused Codes in Dentistry - And How to Get Them Paid" checklist here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfxnnfSlNd0NPhMoBWq-1D_xU5R8LS4xPhHNKIjfLQwStOUag/viewform?usp=header
Schedule a billing chat with Ericka:
https://calendly.com/ericka-dentalbillingdoneright/30min
Email Ericka:
ericka@dentalbillingdoneright.com
Email Jen:
jen@dentalbillingdoneright.com
Got questions? Send Ericka a Text!
A claim can be created in seconds, but a defensible claim takes verification and that difference can make or break your reimbursement. We start with a tough question: if a dental claim is a legal document, why are so many practices submitting claims before anyone confirms the clinical documentation actually supports what’s being billed? When speed becomes the priority, compliance and cash flow both take the hit.
We zoom in on the insurance reimbursement cycle and redefine where it truly begins: the moment treatment is rendered, not when the claim is submitted. From there, everything depends on the clinical record being complete and accessible, from notes and narratives to X-rays, intraoral photos, and periodontal charts. I explain why clinical documentation is defensive documentation, the record that speaks for the provider during audits, disputes, or fraud allegations, and why billing teams should measure what prevents claims from being created, not just what’s already aging.
Then we break down the claims correction list, a pre-aging visibility tool that tracks completed treatment that cannot enter the reimbursement cycle yet. Unlike insurance A/R, denial, and production reports, it exposes the invisible money sitting in limbo and helps you spot patterns like chronic delayed notes, repeated missing attachments, or workflow handoff gaps. You’ll leave with a simple seven day challenge to document every reason a claim cannot be created and use that data to build predictable billing outcomes.
Subscribe, share this with your office manager or lead biller, and leave a review if it helps. What’s the most common reason your claims get stuck before submission?
Interested in a Demo of Dentiq - The Billing Command Center? Get on the interest list here:
https://4063-dentiq.systeme.io/waitlist
Get your Dental Billing Toolkit Here:
https://www.dentalbillingdoneright.com/the-dental-billing-toolkit
Download "The Most Underused Codes in Dentistry - And How to Get Them Paid" checklist here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfxnnfSlNd0NPhMoBWq-1D_xU5R8LS4xPhHNKIjfLQwStOUag/viewform?usp=header
Schedule a billing chat with Ericka:
https://calendly.com/ericka-dentalbillingdoneright/30min
Email Ericka:
ericka@dentalbillingdoneright.com
Email Jen:
jen@dentalbillingdoneright.com
Got questions? Send Ericka a Text!
You can have hardworking people and still have a billing department that feels like a black box. Claims get submitted, denials appear, balances age, and everyone assumes follow up is happening, but nobody can point to where the work actually stalls. We dig into the “workflow engine,” the third pillar of the Fortune Billing Department Framework, and show how visibility is the missing link between dental production and predictable collections.
We walk through the practical tools that turn vague frustration into clear data. The big one is the claims correction list, a simple but powerful way to track why claims are not moving through the insurance reimbursement cycle. Insurance aging reports tell you what is overdue, but the claims correction list tells you the real reasons: incomplete clinical notes, missing narratives, missing x rays, additional information requests, and repeat documentation gaps that create denial patterns. When you can name the bottleneck, you can train, coach, and fix the process instead of chasing balances.
From there, we layer in daily and monthly rhythms that keep the revenue cycle healthy: an end of day billing report that creates real time communication between the billing team and leadership, plus a monthly billing meeting where trends become strategy and decisions are made by facts instead of assumptions. We also talk about building a structured billing calendar with owners and deadlines so “I’ll get to it when I have time” stops costing you money.
If you want your dental billing workflow to run like a system, press play, then subscribe, share this with your office manager, and leave a quick review so more practices can build predictable billing outcomes. What is the number one thing you suspect is slowing your claims down?
Interested in a Demo of Dentiq - The Billing Command Center? Get on the interest list here:
https://4063-dentiq.systeme.io/waitlist
Get your Dental Billing Toolkit Here:
https://www.dentalbillingdoneright.com/the-dental-billing-toolkit
Download "The Most Underused Codes in Dentistry - And How to Get Them Paid" checklist here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfxnnfSlNd0NPhMoBWq-1D_xU5R8LS4xPhHNKIjfLQwStOUag/viewform?usp=header
Schedule a billing chat with Ericka:
https://calendly.com/ericka-dentalbillingdoneright/30min
Email Ericka:
ericka@dentalbillingdoneright.com
Email Jen:
jen@dentalbillingdoneright.com
Got questions? Send Ericka a Text!
Interested in a Demo of Dentiq - The Billing Command Center? Get on the interest list here:
https://4063-dentiq.systeme.io/waitlist
Get your Dental Billing Toolkit Here:
https://www.dentalbillingdoneright.com/the-dental-billing-toolkit
Download "The Most Underused Codes in Dentistry - And How to Get Them Paid" checklist here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfxnnfSlNd0NPhMoBWq-1D_xU5R8LS4xPhHNKIjfLQwStOUag/viewform?usp=header
Schedule a billing chat with Ericka:
https://calendly.com/ericka-dentalbillingdoneright/30min
Email Ericka:
ericka@dentalbillingdoneright.com
Email Jen:
jen@dentalbillingdoneright.com
Got questions? Send Ericka a Text!
Your billing should not feel like a surprise every month. When collections swing up and down, it’s rarely because “insurance is just hard” it’s usually because the foundation was never built correctly. I walk through the core projects I use to make dental billing predictable, measurable, and strong enough to support growth, not just survive the next slow week.
We start where the money actually begins: UCR fee positioning. I explain why raising fees by a random percentage can backfire, how NDAS market percentile data helps you choose an intentional fee strategy, and how Fair Health can help you spot check codes using real claims trends. From there, we move into employer research so you stop signing PPO contracts based on guesswork and start aligning with the plans your patient base truly carries. Then we do the math most offices skip: fee schedule analysis that compares reimbursements to UCR and shows your real write off risk by procedure.
Next, I zoom out into business model strategy: traditional in network PPO, a hybrid out of network approach with key plans, and the realities of fee for service based on local demographics and discretionary income. To make all this usable, I share how to build a billing command center, clean up practice management setup with clear write off and adjustment categories, and tighten procedure mapping and coding structure so compliance and revenue meet in the middle. If you want your dental revenue cycle to run on data instead of stress, hit play, then subscribe, share this with your office manager, and leave a review so more practices can build billing that actually gets paid.
Interested in a Demo of Dentiq - The Billing Command Center? Get on the interest list here:
https://4063-dentiq.systeme.io/waitlist
Get your Dental Billing Toolkit Here:
https://www.dentalbillingdoneright.com/the-dental-billing-toolkit
Download "The Most Underused Codes in Dentistry - And How to Get Them Paid" checklist here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfxnnfSlNd0NPhMoBWq-1D_xU5R8LS4xPhHNKIjfLQwStOUag/viewform?usp=header
Schedule a billing chat with Ericka:
https://calendly.com/ericka-dentalbillingdoneright/30min
Email Ericka:
ericka@dentalbillingdoneright.com
Email Jen:
jen@dentalbillingdoneright.com
Got questions? Send Ericka a Text!
If your practice feels slammed but collections still don’t line up with production, that’s not “just insurance.” That’s a billing system problem, and it’s fixable. We walk through the exact framework we’ve used to help hundreds of dental offices and group practices streamline dental billing, reduce denial chaos, and create predictable cash flow without gatekeeping or overcomplicating the work.
We break billing down into six pillars that build on each other: foundation, roles, workflows, compliance, metrics, and growth. You’ll hear what “foundation” really means in a dental revenue cycle, including practice management software setup, accurate codes, mapped procedures, fee schedules that match payer contracts, and credentialing that prevents avoidable delays. We also share why every practice needs a billing command center, a single source of truth for portals, passwords, processes, and payer details, so the department doesn’t collapse when one person is out.
Then we move into role ownership and workflow engine design so claim follow-up, denial management, and old AR cleanup stop being optional. We talk about using simple project management tools to keep billing work on a calendar, why consistency is what drives consistent insurance collections and patient collections, and how compliance and documentation protect everything you’ve built. We close with the metrics that matter, like insurance AR over 60 days, write-offs, and collection percentages, plus the reality that clean reports aren’t always honest reports, and why a growth loop of training and auditing keeps your billing department future-proof.
Subscribe for the next six weeks of step-by-step dental billing structure, share this with your team, and leave a review telling us which pillar you want to fix first.
Interested in a Demo of Dentiq - The Billing Command Center? Get on the interest list here:
https://4063-dentiq.systeme.io/waitlist
Get your Dental Billing Toolkit Here:
https://www.dentalbillingdoneright.com/the-dental-billing-toolkit
Download "The Most Underused Codes in Dentistry - And How to Get Them Paid" checklist here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfxnnfSlNd0NPhMoBWq-1D_xU5R8LS4xPhHNKIjfLQwStOUag/viewform?usp=header
Schedule a billing chat with Ericka:
https://calendly.com/ericka-dentalbillingdoneright/30min
Email Ericka:
ericka@dentalbillingdoneright.com
Email Jen:
jen@dentalbillingdoneright.com
Got questions? Send Ericka a Text!
Prop 56 is on the way out, and if your practice depends on Denti-Cal reimbursements, the impact won’t be theoretical. I’m joined by Adriana, a seasoned dental billing pro who’s built her reputation on getting Denti-Cal approvals by mastering what most offices miss: the documentation details, the authorization sequence, and the fine-print rules that don’t show up in generic trainings. We talk candidly about what changes when add-on payments disappear and why offices that rely on Denti-Cal as their “bread and butter” need a plan before fee schedules snap back to lower base rates.
We also break down the real Denti-Cal workflow for major treatment: how to think about the TAR process, what a NOAA is, why the DCN matters, and how a CIF fits in when Denti-Cal asks for more information. Adriana shares practical experience on authorizing complex cases like root canals with post and core buildups and crowns, plus why “just bill it like a PPO” is a fast track to denials. You’ll hear the specific habits that help approvals come back faster, including the right x-rays, clear narratives, and knowing when the “safe route” is smarter than bundling everything at once.
Finally, we get into the stuff that saves offices from painful surprises: emergency code misuse that can trigger scrutiny, provider-specific authorizations that may need deletion before another office can treat, and why eligibility checks must go deeper than a simple “eligible” status. We also highlight missed opportunities like disability-related time billing that often gets denied without the right narrative, even when the patient’s aid code suggests coverage. If you work Denti-Cal claims, verify benefits, or manage a Medi-Cal patient base, this is the playbook you’ll want open on your desk.
Subscribe for more practical dental billing guidance, share this with a teammate who fights denials every week, and leave a review if these Denti-Cal breakdowns help your office. What’s the most confusing Denti-Cal denial you want us to tackle next?
Interested in a Demo of Dentiq - The Billing Command Center? Get on the interest list here:
https://4063-dentiq.systeme.io/waitlist
Get your Dental Billing Toolkit Here:
https://www.dentalbillingdoneright.com/the-dental-billing-toolkit
Download "The Most Underused Codes in Dentistry - And How to Get Them Paid" checklist here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfxnnfSlNd0NPhMoBWq-1D_xU5R8LS4xPhHNKIjfLQwStOUag/viewform?usp=header
Schedule a billing chat with Ericka:
https://calendly.com/ericka-dentalbillingdoneright/30min
Email Ericka:
ericka@dentalbillingdoneright.com
Email Jen:
jen@dentalbillingdoneright.com
Got questions? Send Ericka a Text!
Your medical insurance may be able to cover wisdom teeth extractions, and the reason most people never find out is painfully simple: nobody asks the right way. We sit down with Jen from Hygiene Unlocked and unpack a real, recent moment where a medical insurance rep insisted “that’s dental” until Jen pushed for an actual code check. Once the CPT and diagnosis pairing was reviewed, the answer changed, and so did the entire cost picture.
We get practical about dental medical billing: how to think in medical necessity instead of “dental vs medical”, how ICD-10 diagnosis codes tell the story that justifies treatment, and why cross-coding matters when an oral surgery plan only lists dental codes. We also talk about the everyday realities of calling payers, including how reps default to in-network benefits, how to confirm out-of-network coverage, and why you should always get a call reference number so you can appeal bad information later.
The takeaway is bigger than wisdom teeth. When we treat the mouth like it’s separate from the body, patients lose benefits they pay for and offices miss legitimate reimbursement. If you want a clearer, more defensible process for wisdom teeth extraction billing, CPT coding, ICD-10 documentation, and CMS-1500 claims, this conversation will change how you look at your next treatment plan. Subscribe, share this with a biller or office manager, and leave a review with your biggest medical billing question.
Interested in a Demo of Dentiq - The Billing Command Center? Get on the interest list here:
https://4063-dentiq.systeme.io/waitlist
Get your Dental Billing Toolkit Here:
https://www.dentalbillingdoneright.com/the-dental-billing-toolkit
Download "The Most Underused Codes in Dentistry - And How to Get Them Paid" checklist here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfxnnfSlNd0NPhMoBWq-1D_xU5R8LS4xPhHNKIjfLQwStOUag/viewform?usp=header
Schedule a billing chat with Ericka:
https://calendly.com/ericka-dentalbillingdoneright/30min
Email Ericka:
ericka@dentalbillingdoneright.com
Email Jen:
jen@dentalbillingdoneright.com
Got questions? Send Ericka a Text!
What if the number on your AR report is giving you false comfort and your patient ledgers are quietly wrong? We dig into a hard truth from dental billing and revenue cycle management: most practices have never audited their ledgers line by line, which means balances, credits, adjustments, and write-offs can be fundamentally inaccurate. That is not just a money problem. It is a patient trust problem, and it can become a compliance problem fast.
We get practical about reading dental practice reports the right way, starting with the biggest mistake we see: lumping patient AR and insurance AR into one number. Those buckets behave differently, follow different rules, and demand different follow-up. We also talk about aging, why over-90-day AR often has low collectability, and why an AR cleanup project should be treated as a cleanup project so you can get clean reports and real visibility.
Then we break down the biller levels that determine whether your practice protects revenue or leaks it: A players, B players, and C players. A player billers dissect the EOB, compare it to the breakdown of benefits, challenge underpayments and denials, and understand key rules like prompt pay law and the right to recovery. We also shine a light on the most neglected report in dentistry, the credit balance report, and why patient credits can turn into unclaimed property obligations depending on your state.
If you want clarity on what is really happening in your billing system, take the next step: book the free billing strategy call, then share this with a practice owner who needs to hear it. Subscribe, leave a review, and tell us what part of your billing process you want to tighten up next.
Interested in a Demo of Dentiq - The Billing Command Center? Get on the interest list here:
https://4063-dentiq.systeme.io/waitlist
Get your Dental Billing Toolkit Here:
https://www.dentalbillingdoneright.com/the-dental-billing-toolkit
Download "The Most Underused Codes in Dentistry - And How to Get Them Paid" checklist here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfxnnfSlNd0NPhMoBWq-1D_xU5R8LS4xPhHNKIjfLQwStOUag/viewform?usp=header
Schedule a billing chat with Ericka:
https://calendly.com/ericka-dentalbillingdoneright/30min
Email Ericka:
ericka@dentalbillingdoneright.com
Email Jen:
jen@dentalbillingdoneright.com
Got questions? Send Ericka a Text!
Hiring someone with no dental experience can feel like a gamble, but it doesn’t have to. I walk through the same onboarding system I’ve used for years to turn true beginners into capable, confident front office team members without wrecking your schedule, your claims, or your cash flow. The punchline is simple: when you build the foundation first, everything else speeds up.
We start where most offices should start but rarely do: the CDT book. I explain how to teach categories of service so a new hire can navigate quickly, then how to break down the anatomy of a CDT code (alphanumeric, nomenclature, descriptor) so they’re not memorising numbers, they’re learning a language. That one shift improves dental billing accuracy, treatment plan coding, and insurance claim outcomes because your team stops guessing and starts verifying.
Then we make it practical for real-world dental practice management. I share how to pull your most commonly used codes, tab the CDT by category, and build simple worksheets that help a newbie connect clinical procedures to correct dental codes in a safe practice environment. We also talk about the mindset piece: hiring is a business decision, and onboarding needs a strategy plus a clear expectation of mutual investment.
If you want fewer billing mistakes, faster ramp-up time, and a stronger dental front office system, hit play, then subscribe, share this with a practice owner friend, and leave a review with the training challenge you’re facing right now.
Interested in a Demo of Dentiq - The Billing Command Center? Get on the interest list here:
https://4063-dentiq.systeme.io/waitlist
Get your Dental Billing Toolkit Here:
https://www.dentalbillingdoneright.com/the-dental-billing-toolkit
Download "The Most Underused Codes in Dentistry - And How to Get Them Paid" checklist here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfxnnfSlNd0NPhMoBWq-1D_xU5R8LS4xPhHNKIjfLQwStOUag/viewform?usp=header
Schedule a billing chat with Ericka:
https://calendly.com/ericka-dentalbillingdoneright/30min
Email Ericka:
ericka@dentalbillingdoneright.com
Email Jen:
jen@dentalbillingdoneright.com
Got questions? Send Ericka a Text!
Your insurance AR report can look perfect while your practice quietly bleeds money. I’m Erica Aguilar, and I’m pulling back the curtain on the uncomfortable truth: “clean” dental insurance accounts receivable can be manufactured, and the prettiest numbers on your aging report might be the biggest warning sign.
We walk through a real-world story of “Biller Betty” and the fast moves that make an insurance AR cleanup look successful without improving collections at all. I explain the three biggest red flags I see in dental billing and revenue cycle management: heavy adjustments disguised as contractual write-offs, shifting denied balances to patient responsibility instead of appealing, and deleting then recreating claims to make them look fresh. That last one is especially dangerous because it wipes out your original claim submission date, weakens your prompt pay position, and can trigger timely filing problems.
Then we get practical. I share the performance percentages I want you monitoring so you can run your billing department like a business: what healthy 0 to 30 day insurance AR can look like, how to keep older buckets from getting heavy, and how to audit any “cleanup” by separating what was actually collected from what was adjusted or shifted. We also talk denial strategy, appeals, when to involve the insurance commissioner, and the 24-hour, 48-hour, and seven-day follow-up system that prevents claims from aging just because they never truly landed on file.
If this helped you, subscribe, share the episode with a practice owner or biller, and leave a review so more teams stop trusting “clean AR” and start measuring real performance.
Interested in a Demo of Dentiq - The Billing Command Center? Get on the interest list here:
https://4063-dentiq.systeme.io/waitlist
Get your Dental Billing Toolkit Here:
https://www.dentalbillingdoneright.com/the-dental-billing-toolkit
Download "The Most Underused Codes in Dentistry - And How to Get Them Paid" checklist here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfxnnfSlNd0NPhMoBWq-1D_xU5R8LS4xPhHNKIjfLQwStOUag/viewform?usp=header
Schedule a billing chat with Ericka:
https://calendly.com/ericka-dentalbillingdoneright/30min
Email Ericka:
ericka@dentalbillingdoneright.com
Email Jen:
jen@dentalbillingdoneright.com
Got questions? Send Ericka a Text!
Profit doesn’t come from working harder or cramming more patients into the schedule. Real profit comes from running your billing department like a business within a business—and using it to lift EBITDA, create predictable cash flow, and make smarter decisions across the practice.
We walk through a clear definition of EBITDA and why serious owners, lenders, and buyers use it to judge operational health. Then we connect the dots between daily billing work and big-picture results: coding accuracy as revenue capture, denial management as a cost-to-collect reducer, and AR velocity as the engine of cash strength. You’ll hear why sloppy billing erodes margins from both sides—less revenue in, higher expenses out—and how a systems-first approach flips that script with cleaner claims, faster payments, and fewer reworks.
From there, we get tactical. We outline the metrics that matter—first-pass claim rate, average days in AR, denial rate by payer, write-off trends, appeal success—and how to use them to forecast collections, control overhead, and plan staffing without panic. We dig into the definition of an unreasonable denial and share a practical escalation and appeal playbook that speeds recovery while protecting productivity. Finally, we make the case for a living billing manual: documented workflows for claim submission, clearinghouse and payer receipt verification, EFT reconciliation, and standardized follow-up so the whole team moves in sync.
If you’re ready to replace checklists with outcomes and turn billing into a true profit engine, this conversation lays out the path. Subscribe, share with a fellow office leader, and leave a quick review to help more practices build healthy, sustainable profitability.
Interested in a Demo of Dentiq - The Billing Command Center? Get on the interest list here:
https://4063-dentiq.systeme.io/waitlist
Get your Dental Billing Toolkit Here:
https://www.dentalbillingdoneright.com/the-dental-billing-toolkit
Download "The Most Underused Codes in Dentistry - And How to Get Them Paid" checklist here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfxnnfSlNd0NPhMoBWq-1D_xU5R8LS4xPhHNKIjfLQwStOUag/viewform?usp=header
Schedule a billing chat with Ericka:
https://calendly.com/ericka-dentalbillingdoneright/30min
Email Ericka:
ericka@dentalbillingdoneright.com
Email Jen:
jen@dentalbillingdoneright.com
Got questions? Send Ericka a Text!
A weekend meetup in Phoenix turned into a deep dive on the “harmless” shortcuts that quietly drain dental practices and invite compliance trouble. We compare notes from a brutal 2025 billing case, unpack the defensiveness that often surfaces when a third party steps in, and show how audit trails reveal everything from embezzlement red flags to training gaps and inefficiencies you’ll never see on a P&L.
We get practical fast. You’ll hear why copay waivers and frequency misses aren’t favors, they’re liabilities; how a real chart prep process (CPP) prevents four- and five-figure monthly losses; and why templates should be fillable, not filled, to protect patient specificity and accuracy. We talk clinical notes as legal defense, route slips that actually bridge back-to-front, and the non-negotiable role of periodontal charting. If AI is reading your claims, missing perio data is a hard stop. We also tackle credentialing vs contracting, rendering provider rules, and the spreadsheet every office manager needs to track participation status and re-credentialing dates.
On the clinical side, we break down case acceptance without pressure: narrate findings, ask better questions, and move patients appropriately from prophy to SRP or 4346 when gingivitis is the true diagnosis. And yes, we address the controversy head-on—billing 4346 is about medical necessity and compliance, not what pays 100 percent. Bill what you do, document why you did it, and let systems carry the weight.
If you want fewer denials, stronger compliance, and calmer nights, this conversation gives you the scripts, checklists, and mindset to get there. Subscribe, share with a colleague who needs the nudge, and leave a review telling us your biggest compliance headache—we might tackle it next.
Interested in a Demo of Dentiq - The Billing Command Center? Get on the interest list here:
https://4063-dentiq.systeme.io/waitlist
Get your Dental Billing Toolkit Here:
https://www.dentalbillingdoneright.com/the-dental-billing-toolkit
Download "The Most Underused Codes in Dentistry - And How to Get Them Paid" checklist here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfxnnfSlNd0NPhMoBWq-1D_xU5R8LS4xPhHNKIjfLQwStOUag/viewform?usp=header
Schedule a billing chat with Ericka:
https://calendly.com/ericka-dentalbillingdoneright/30min
Email Ericka:
ericka@dentalbillingdoneright.com
Email Jen:
jen@dentalbillingdoneright.com
Got questions? Send Ericka a Text!
We show how chart prep sets expectations and end of day confirms reality, so money stops leaking and compliance issues get fixed the same day. A practical checklist, time blocking, and coaching turn chaos into a repeatable close that protects revenue and trust.
• redefining end of day as daily accountability
• chart prep for expectations, end of day for verification
• composite case of a busy office with open charts and rolled balances
• building a lean checklist that closes every visit
• spotting patterns: missed copays, incomplete notes, idle claims
• coaching conversations that improve collections and documentation
• blackout time to finish reconciliation without interruptions
• route slips or digital equivalents for clear expectations
• daily compliance as a habit, not an annual event
• financial stability through same‑day close and follow‑up
You can go grab the chart prep and the end‑of‑day checklist, and there’s a little guide in there on how to implement it in the show notes if you want to implement this right away
If this series has been helpful for you friends, I’d really appreciate it if you would leave us a review
Make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss part three
And if this episode made you think of your doctor or your office manager, share it with them
Get the Chart Prep + End of Day Checklist and Guide for Only $19 Here:
https://ericka-aguilar-dental-billing-expert.kit.com/products/chart-prep-checklis
Interested in a Demo of Dentiq - The Billing Command Center? Get on the interest list here:
https://4063-dentiq.systeme.io/waitlist
Get your Dental Billing Toolkit Here:
https://www.dentalbillingdoneright.com/the-dental-billing-toolkit
Download "The Most Underused Codes in Dentistry - And How to Get Them Paid" checklist here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfxnnfSlNd0NPhMoBWq-1D_xU5R8LS4xPhHNKIjfLQwStOUag/viewform?usp=header
Schedule a billing chat with Ericka:
https://calendly.com/ericka-dentalbillingdoneright/30min
Email Ericka:
ericka@dentalbillingdoneright.com
Email Jen:
jen@dentalbillingdoneright.com
Got questions? Send Ericka a Text!
We pull back the curtain on a “busy” practice that bled revenue because trust replaced systems. A full audit, legal counsel, and a frank lunch reveal how missing chart prep, no route slips, and zero checks led to fraud risk and wild collections swings.
• redefining chart preparation as the operational backbone
• why custom route slips create visibility and accountability
• how one-person control hides errors and tempts fraud
• what a full revenue cycle audit uncovers beyond claims
• Medicaid compliance risks when notes don’t match billing
• legal strategy when a key staffer becomes a liability
• shifting in-house focus to chart prep and eligibility
• capturing every dollar with family account audits
• pros handle billing; team owns preparation and handoffs
• building guardrails with audits, reports and daily reviews
Grab the chart prep and end-of-day framework in the show notes
Please leave a review, subscribe for parts two and three, and share this with your doctor or a fellow office manager
Grab the Chart Prep & End of Day Checklist and Guide here:
https://ericka-aguilar-dental-billing-expert.kit.com/products/chart-prep-checklis
Interested in a Demo of Dentiq - The Billing Command Center? Get on the interest list here:
https://4063-dentiq.systeme.io/waitlist
Get your Dental Billing Toolkit Here:
https://www.dentalbillingdoneright.com/the-dental-billing-toolkit
Download "The Most Underused Codes in Dentistry - And How to Get Them Paid" checklist here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfxnnfSlNd0NPhMoBWq-1D_xU5R8LS4xPhHNKIjfLQwStOUag/viewform?usp=header
Schedule a billing chat with Ericka:
https://calendly.com/ericka-dentalbillingdoneright/30min
Email Ericka:
ericka@dentalbillingdoneright.com
Email Jen:
jen@dentalbillingdoneright.com
Got questions? Send Ericka a Text!
If your perio percentage hovers around 15% while half your hygiene notes mention bleeding, you don’t have a production problem—you have a calibration problem. We sit down with Ed, a clinician-turned-hygiene coach with a billing background, to unpack how teams move from prophy habit to complete health care without losing trust or momentum. The through-line is simple: document what you see, code what you do, and speak with one voice so patients understand why it matters.
We start with measurement. Ed breaks down perio performance percentage and why healthy practices often land between 30 and 40 percent depending on demographics. From there, we map practical calibration: agreeing on diagnostic thresholds, choosing plain language that patients can repeat back, and separating clinical conversations from benefits talk. You’ll hear how co-diagnosis works when the dentist frames whole-body health and the hygienist details the treatment sequence, intervals, and home protocols.
Technology becomes a teaching tool rather than a crutch. CBCT helps illustrate bone changes, intraoral photos make bleeding undeniable, and saliva testing like OralDNA turns bacteria into a color-coded story patients can follow. We also explore Perio Protect and how reducing inflammatory load lets the body “recharge,” improving healing and even sleep. The hardest part—converting long-time prophy patients—gets easier with “show, do, tell” scripts, honest framing about updated standards of care, and seed planting that respects patient pace while protecting outcomes.
If you’re ready to raise perio performance with integrity, this conversation gives you the metrics, scripts, and workflows to get there. Subscribe, share with your hygiene lead, and leave a review telling us which change you’ll implement first.
Interested in a Demo of Dentiq - The Billing Command Center? Get on the interest list here:
https://4063-dentiq.systeme.io/waitlist
Get your Dental Billing Toolkit Here:
https://www.dentalbillingdoneright.com/the-dental-billing-toolkit
Download "The Most Underused Codes in Dentistry - And How to Get Them Paid" checklist here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfxnnfSlNd0NPhMoBWq-1D_xU5R8LS4xPhHNKIjfLQwStOUag/viewform?usp=header
Schedule a billing chat with Ericka:
https://calendly.com/ericka-dentalbillingdoneright/30min
Email Ericka:
ericka@dentalbillingdoneright.com
Email Jen:
jen@dentalbillingdoneright.com
Got questions? Send Ericka a Text!
Stop letting a benefits table decide your standard of care. We sit down with dental billing expert Ed to tear down the fear, myths, and mixed messages that keep teams from coding honestly, educating clearly, and treating confidently. From fluoride and adult sealants to SDF that literally shows patients a visible change, we talk through how to make prevention tangible and persuasive without hiding behind “what insurance allows.”
We get real about code 4346: when a gingivitis cleaning is performed, document it, submit it, and stop defaulting to prophy because it feels safer. You’ll hear why underutilization hurts reimbursement, how to manage downgrades and co-pays with straight talk, and why transparency plus consistency builds trust faster than “people-pleasing” benefit games. Ed shares the operational fixes that work: clinicians educate and treat; the front handles money and benefits. With set protocols for LBR, LAPT, and perio maintenance, case acceptance climbs—even in tough markets.
Then we shift into leadership and metrics. Treat your column like a business and aim for 3.5x your daily pay to sustain raises, instruments, and training. Design intentional schedules that blend perio maintenance, SRP, re-evals, and preventive services. Train smarter: integrate lasers and SDF to control disease and show results. We highlight common myths from seminars and social media that sabotage coding and scheduling, and we replace them with clear steps, aligned scripts, and practical KPIs, including 4346 utilization, perio maintenance rates, and photo documentation.
If you want ethical documentation, stronger production, and healthier patients without awkward fee chats, this conversation will become your playbook. Subscribe, share this with your team, and leave a quick review telling us the one change you’ll implement this week.
Interested in a Demo of Dentiq - The Billing Command Center? Get on the interest list here:
https://4063-dentiq.systeme.io/waitlist
Get your Dental Billing Toolkit Here:
https://www.dentalbillingdoneright.com/the-dental-billing-toolkit
Download "The Most Underused Codes in Dentistry - And How to Get Them Paid" checklist here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfxnnfSlNd0NPhMoBWq-1D_xU5R8LS4xPhHNKIjfLQwStOUag/viewform?usp=header
Schedule a billing chat with Ericka:
https://calendly.com/ericka-dentalbillingdoneright/30min
Email Ericka:
ericka@dentalbillingdoneright.com
Email Jen:
jen@dentalbillingdoneright.com
Got questions? Send Ericka a Text!
A candid look at why AR rises even when production is strong and how access, clarity, and team alignment restore cash flow. We share the biggest blockers we see inside practices—password chaos, clearinghouse issues, unread billing emails—and the simple systems that fix them.
• password and portal access as revenue gatekeeper
• EFT lockouts creating delays and aged AR
• Dentrix–Vine fallout and claim tracing discipline
• daily email reviews and statement ownership
• patient AR rising from unclear benefits and silence
• stronger benefit scripts to prevent “surprise” balances
• third-party alignment as team extension, not threat
• kickoff meetings for roles, tools, and expectations
• billers as end-of-cycle auditors spotting root causes
• repeatable rhythms for faster posting and fewer denials
If any of this resonated with you friends, feel free to leave a review, feel free to leave a comment, share this episode with someone who you feel would relate. And if you're interested in a billing consultation and seeing how fortune billing solutions can help you, go to the show notes. There's a link down below, and you can set up a time to meet with me.
Interested in a Demo of Dentiq - The Billing Command Center? Get on the interest list here:
https://4063-dentiq.systeme.io/waitlist
Get your Dental Billing Toolkit Here:
https://www.dentalbillingdoneright.com/the-dental-billing-toolkit
Download "The Most Underused Codes in Dentistry - And How to Get Them Paid" checklist here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfxnnfSlNd0NPhMoBWq-1D_xU5R8LS4xPhHNKIjfLQwStOUag/viewform?usp=header
Schedule a billing chat with Ericka:
https://calendly.com/ericka-dentalbillingdoneright/30min
Email Ericka:
ericka@dentalbillingdoneright.com
Email Jen:
jen@dentalbillingdoneright.com
Got questions? Send Ericka a Text!
What if your dental practice's schedule management system worked like your most brilliant team member instead of just another piece of software? That's the game-changing perspective Lori Streeter brings to this episode as she unpacks how modern technology can transform dental scheduling from a headache into a powerful production driver.
From her beginnings as a 20-year-old dental employee to her current role as VP of US Expansion at Max Assist, Lori shares insights gained through decades of experience across multiple facets of dentistry. She illustrates the dramatic evolution from pegboard appointment books and manual recall cards to today's sophisticated AI-powered scheduling systems, highlighting how many practices still operate with inefficient processes that leave significant revenue opportunities untapped.
The conversation reveals a startling reality: while practices obsess over attracting new patients, they often overlook the approximately $500,000 in diagnosed but unscheduled treatment sitting in their existing patient records. With the right tools, this treatment can be efficiently scheduled, dramatically increasing production without requiring additional marketing efforts. Even practices that appear fully booked can benefit from optimized scheduling that ensures the most appropriate procedures fill each available time slot.
What distinguishes Max Assist from traditional patient communication software is its comprehensive approach to schedule management. Rather than simply sending appointment reminders, it integrates directly with practice management systems to provide actionable intelligence, identifies opportunities for filling appointments, tracks team performance for accountability, and functions as a virtual team member rather than just another tool. As Lori eloquently states, "Your tech should be part of your team."
Ready to transform your approach to schedule management? Listen now to discover how modern technology can help your practice maximize productivity while strengthening patient connections. Your schedule might be full—but is it optimized?
Schedule a demo with MaxAssist to unlock scheduleing potential here:
https://maxassist.com/book-a-demo-fortune-billing/
Join The Biller Acceleration Mentorship Wait List Here: (Only 5 Spots Left in 2025!!)
https://linktr.ee/dental_billing_coach
Would you like to set-up a billing consultation with Ericka? She would love the opportunity to discuss your billing questions and see how Fortune Billing Solutions may help you.
Email Ericka:
ericka@dentalbillingdoneright.com
Schedule a call with Ericka:
https://calendly.com/ericka-dentalbillingdoneright/30min
Perio performance formula:
(D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910)/(D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910+D1110)
Delta Dental Locum Tenens Form:
https://www1.deltadentalins.com/content/dam/ddins/en/pdf/dentists/locum-tenens-form.pdf
Got questions? Send Ericka a Text!
Have you ever wondered what dentists truly value in their front office teams? This spontaneous episode reveals the surprising answer, and it hasn't changed in over a decade.
When a scheduled interview fails to materialize, I take the opportunity to share key insights from my journey developing a six-month dental administration school back in 2011. Frustrated by the lack of formal training programs for front office personnel and tired of dealing with qualified candidates who brought attitude problems or rigid ideas about practice management, I set out to create a solution that would shorten the learning curve and reduce turnover.
My research journey involved surveying more than 300 dental practices nationwide, asking dentists a deceptively simple question: "If your front office could be expert at one thing, what would it be?" The results were startlingly consistent—billing expertise and skillful handling of new patient calls dominated their responses. What's fascinating is that when I recently conducted a similar survey with 100 practices, the results remained virtually unchanged after all these years. Nine out of ten dental practice executives still prioritize billing knowledge, paired with strong communication skills for patient interaction.
Drawing from my unique experience as a dental industry professional since 1995—including roles as a consultant, practice partner, and acting owner for multiple locations—I've gained uncommon insights into what makes dental practices successful. Now I'm reaching out to you: what training would best serve your practice needs? Share your thoughts, and let me help you build the front office team your practice deserves.
Schedule a demo with MaxAssist to unlock scheduleing potential here:
https://maxassist.com/book-a-demo-fortune-billing/
Join The Biller Acceleration Mentorship Wait List Here: (Only 5 Spots Left in 2025!!)
https://linktr.ee/dental_billing_coach
Would you like to set-up a billing consultation with Ericka? She would love the opportunity to discuss your billing questions and see how Fortune Billing Solutions may help you.
Email Ericka:
ericka@dentalbillingdoneright.com
Schedule a call with Ericka:
https://calendly.com/ericka-dentalbillingdoneright/30min
Perio performance formula:
(D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910)/(D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910+D1110)
Delta Dental Locum Tenens Form:
https://www1.deltadentalins.com/content/dam/ddins/en/pdf/dentists/locum-tenens-form.pdf
Got questions? Send Ericka a Text!
Credentialing versus contracting - these terms are often used interchangeably in dental offices, but as Ericka Aguilar explains in this essential episode, they represent entirely different processes with significant implications for your practice's compliance and financial health.
Credentialing is the verification process where insurance companies confirm a provider's qualifications, while contracting is the business agreement that follows, officially making a provider "in-network." Understanding this distinction is just the beginning of navigating the complex landscape of dental insurance billing.
The episode delivers a stark warning about one of the most dangerous practices happening in dental offices today: billing under another provider's NPI when that provider didn't perform the treatment. This typically occurs when practices are waiting for a new associate to complete the credentialing process. What many don't realize is that this practice constitutes insurance fraud, violating state and federal regulations. With insurance companies now employing AI and aggressive auditing techniques, the risks of massive recoupments, civil penalties, and even criminal charges have never been higher.
Erica also demystifies Locum Tenens arrangements, which provide a legitimate pathway for practices to maintain continuity of care when a provider is temporarily unavailable due to specific circumstances like maternity leave, disability, or death. However, these arrangements come with strict limitations that must be carefully followed to avoid compliance issues.
Through real-world examples and practical advice, this episode equips dental professionals with the knowledge to protect their practices while maintaining ethical standards. Whether you're a practice owner, office manager, or dental biller, the insights shared will help you navigate the credentialing process correctly, understand when Locum Tenens is appropriate, and implement documentation practices that keep your practice on the right side of compliance. Visit dentalbillingdoneright.com to learn more about setting up proper credentialing SOPs and claim auditing for your practice.
Schedule a demo with MaxAssist to unlock scheduleing potential here:
https://maxassist.com/book-a-demo-fortune-billing/
Join The Biller Acceleration Mentorship Wait List Here: (Only 5 Spots Left in 2025!!)
https://linktr.ee/dental_billing_coach
Would you like to set-up a billing consultation with Ericka? She would love the opportunity to discuss your billing questions and see how Fortune Billing Solutions may help you.
Email Ericka:
ericka@dentalbillingdoneright.com
Schedule a call with Ericka:
https://calendly.com/ericka-dentalbillingdoneright/30min
Perio performance formula:
(D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910)/(D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910+D1110)
Delta Dental Locum Tenens Form:
https://www1.deltadentalins.com/content/dam/ddins/en/pdf/dentists/locum-tenens-form.pdf
Got questions? Send Ericka a Text!
What happens when you try to end something, only to discover it's just beginning? After announcing what I thought would be the final episode of the Dental Billing Podcast, something extraordinary happened—hundreds of messages flooded in from listeners who weren't ready to say goodbye. From tearful voicemails to heartfelt emails, the message was clear: this podcast had become more than just a billing resource. It had become a lifeline.
These messages revealed something powerful about our community. Ashley from Dallas shared that after 17 years in dental billing, this was the first time she felt truly seen. Teresa from Arizona mentioned her therapist made an exception to allow her to listen to this work-related podcast because "it supports your mental health." Nina from Chicago explained how the podcast helped her recover from burnout when "billing was breaking me." What started as technical guidance had evolved into something deeply personal and necessary.
Moving forward, the Dental Billing Podcast will continue with an expanded vision. We'll maintain our commitment to sharp, accurate billing information—fighting back unreasonable denials, clarifying coding confusion, and exposing insurance company tactics. But we're also embracing what our community clearly needs: conversations about mental health, burnout prevention, and practical tools for thriving in a chaotic industry. We'll bring in licensed therapists, wellness coaches, and trauma-informed practitioners alongside powerhouse billers and respected consultants to address both the technical and emotional aspects of dental administration.
This evolution reflects a simple truth: you're not just a biller or office manager—you're a human being trying to make a difference in a broken system. Whether you're looking for denial management strategies, nervous system regulation techniques, or simply the comfort of knowing you're not alone, this podcast remains a safe space for your questions, your growth, and your hope. Email me your topics, leave a review to help others find us, and know that we're in this together—not ending, but expanding.
Schedule a demo with MaxAssist to unlock scheduleing potential here:
https://maxassist.com/book-a-demo-fortune-billing/
Join The Biller Acceleration Mentorship Wait List Here: (Only 5 Spots Left in 2025!!)
https://linktr.ee/dental_billing_coach
Would you like to set-up a billing consultation with Ericka? She would love the opportunity to discuss your billing questions and see how Fortune Billing Solutions may help you.
Email Ericka:
ericka@dentalbillingdoneright.com
Schedule a call with Ericka:
https://calendly.com/ericka-dentalbillingdoneright/30min
Perio performance formula:
(D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910)/(D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910+D1110)
Delta Dental Locum Tenens Form:
https://www1.deltadentalins.com/content/dam/ddins/en/pdf/dentists/locum-tenens-form.pdf
Got questions? Send Ericka a Text!
Pivotal moments often arrive unexpectedly. After years of helping dental practices decode insurance denials and maximize reimbursements, I've made a significant discovery that's reshaping our journey together. What began as technical discussions about coding and claims consistently opened doors to far deeper conversations about practice culture, team alignment, and leadership challenges.
The highest-performing billing departments I've encountered share one critical element that transcends technical knowledge—they operate within practices where leadership is strong, vision is shared, and team members pull in the same direction. When I stepped into offices to address billing issues, I frequently uncovered symptoms of deeper organizational challenges: fear-based decision-making, reactive management, artificial harmony, and teams trapped in survival mode. These cultural issues were directly impacting financial performance.
That's why this finale of the Dental Billing Podcast marks not an ending but an evolution. While billing expertise remains my foundation and passion, our new "Practice and Purpose" podcast will embrace the whole picture of practice success. We'll explore leadership development, navigating difficult conversations, building high-performing teams, and aligning your practice with your deeper purpose—all while continuing to sprinkle in the billing wisdom you've come to expect.
To my loyal listeners who've shared stories of successfully challenging insurance companies, securing deserved raises, and transforming billing departments: thank you for making this platform sacred. This shift honors the truth of what you've been teaching me all along—that our conversations were always about more than just billing. They were about becoming the leader your practice needs and creating a culture where your team and your purpose can thrive. Join me next week as we begin this expanded journey together, right here in your podcast feed.
Schedule a demo with MaxAssist to unlock scheduleing potential here:
https://maxassist.com/book-a-demo-fortune-billing/
Join The Biller Acceleration Mentorship Wait List Here: (Only 5 Spots Left in 2025!!)
https://linktr.ee/dental_billing_coach
Would you like to set-up a billing consultation with Ericka? She would love the opportunity to discuss your billing questions and see how Fortune Billing Solutions may help you.
Email Ericka:
ericka@dentalbillingdoneright.com
Schedule a call with Ericka:
https://calendly.com/ericka-dentalbillingdoneright/30min
Perio performance formula:
(D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910)/(D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910+D1110)
Delta Dental Locum Tenens Form:
https://www1.deltadentalins.com/content/dam/ddins/en/pdf/dentists/locum-tenens-form.pdf
Got questions? Send Ericka a Text!
Dental insurance companies often deny necessary treatment claims not because they should, but because they can—and we explore how to fight back effectively through appeals and regulatory complaints.
• 59% of denied claims are upheld simply because no appeal is ever filed
• Unreasonable denials occur when patients have benefits but claims are still denied
• State insurance commissioners can investigate denials and prompt payment violations
• Understanding the difference between fully-insured and self-funded (ERISA) plans
• For self-funded plans, complaints must go to the Department of Labor (866-444-3272)
• Gather evidence including denials, submission reports, and clinical notes
• Position your complaint as patient advocacy rather than financial recovery
• Insurance companies cannot dictate treatment or force doctors to work for free
Remember: You're not just a biller—you are the patient advocate and the system of checks and balances they didn't see coming.
Schedule a demo with MaxAssist to unlock scheduleing potential here:
https://maxassist.com/book-a-demo-fortune-billing/
Join The Biller Acceleration Mentorship Wait List Here: (Only 5 Spots Left in 2025!!)
https://linktr.ee/dental_billing_coach
Would you like to set-up a billing consultation with Ericka? She would love the opportunity to discuss your billing questions and see how Fortune Billing Solutions may help you.
Email Ericka:
ericka@dentalbillingdoneright.com
Schedule a call with Ericka:
https://calendly.com/ericka-dentalbillingdoneright/30min
Perio performance formula:
(D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910)/(D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910+D1110)
Delta Dental Locum Tenens Form:
https://www1.deltadentalins.com/content/dam/ddins/en/pdf/dentists/locum-tenens-form.pdf
Got questions? Send Ericka a Text!
The entrepreneurial journey can be isolating even when surrounded by loved ones who don't fully understand what we're building. Success looks different for entrepreneurs than those in traditional jobs, and the lack of understanding can create a divide between our business reality and personal relationships.
• We often downplay our professional wins because they don't translate well to those outside our industry
• Traditional security (401k, benefits) looks different for entrepreneurs but is equally valid
• True entrepreneurial success is about freedom and peace, not just financial metrics
• Building a community of like-minded people is essential to combat the isolation
• Office managers experience similar isolation carrying the emotional weight of practices
• Finding your "biz bestie" or mastermind group provides crucial support and understanding
• It's okay to build your business slowly and intentionally
• Even when you question yourself or face setbacks, you're still moving forward
If this episode spoke to you, please share it with someone who needs to hear they matter. Let your office manager, business friends, or team know they are appreciated and seen.
Schedule a demo with MaxAssist to unlock scheduleing potential here:
https://maxassist.com/book-a-demo-fortune-billing/
Join The Biller Acceleration Mentorship Wait List Here: (Only 5 Spots Left in 2025!!)
https://linktr.ee/dental_billing_coach
Would you like to set-up a billing consultation with Ericka? She would love the opportunity to discuss your billing questions and see how Fortune Billing Solutions may help you.
Email Ericka:
ericka@dentalbillingdoneright.com
Schedule a call with Ericka:
https://calendly.com/ericka-dentalbillingdoneright/30min
Perio performance formula:
(D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910)/(D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910+D1110)
Delta Dental Locum Tenens Form:
https://www1.deltadentalins.com/content/dam/ddins/en/pdf/dentists/locum-tenens-form.pdf
Got questions? Send Ericka a Text!
Are you leaving money on the table while your patients remain undertreated? After analyzing over 300 dental practices across the country, I discovered a shocking truth: the average dental practice with a full-time hygienist treats only 17% of the periodontal disease they diagnose. That means 83% of diagnosed disease goes completely untreated—a staggering gap between diagnosis and care.
This episode dives deep into the "hidden opportunity" within your hygiene department by exploring D4346: scaling in the presence of generalized moderate to severe gingival inflammation. This often-misunderstood code bridges the critical gap between a standard prophy (D1110) and scaling and root planing (D4341/D4342). For patients showing clear signs of gingivitis without bone loss—bleeding on probing, inflamed tissue, pseudopockets, and plaque that doesn't respond to routine cleaning—continuing to perform prophies isn't prevention; it's undertreatment.
I walk you through a comprehensive, step-by-step process for properly implementing D4346 in your practice, from accurate diagnosis and bulletproof documentation to effective patient education and ethical billing. We cover common challenges including insurance downgrades, particularly when carriers like Delta may pay less for D4346 than for a prophy, and how to handle these situations without compromising ethics or revenue. The key message: this code is based on diagnosis, not difficulty or time spent, and represents therapeutic care designed to heal tissue, not maintain it.
Whether you're a dental biller, office manager, hygienist, or dentist, this episode provides practical guidance for transforming your approach to gingivitis treatment. The benefits extend beyond proper coding—you'll deliver better care, improve patient outcomes, and optimize practice revenue. Pull a few charts this week and see how many of your "prophy patients" actually qualify for D4346. The results might surprise you.
Schedule a demo with MaxAssist to unlock scheduleing potential here:
https://maxassist.com/book-a-demo-fortune-billing/
Join The Biller Acceleration Mentorship Wait List Here: (Only 5 Spots Left in 2025!!)
https://linktr.ee/dental_billing_coach
Would you like to set-up a billing consultation with Ericka? She would love the opportunity to discuss your billing questions and see how Fortune Billing Solutions may help you.
Email Ericka:
ericka@dentalbillingdoneright.com
Schedule a call with Ericka:
https://calendly.com/ericka-dentalbillingdoneright/30min
Perio performance formula:
(D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910)/(D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910+D1110)
Delta Dental Locum Tenens Form:
https://www1.deltadentalins.com/content/dam/ddins/en/pdf/dentists/locum-tenens-form.pdf
Got questions? Send Ericka a Text!
Dental insurance verification is stuck in the 1990s, but insurance companies have dramatically changed how they operate—leaving dentists with surprise balances, frustrated patients, and a mess of accounts receivable. In this eye-opening episode, I reveal how insurance carriers are secretly leasing networks behind the scenes and potentially pulling your practice into networks you never directly signed with.
Drawing from a recent consultation where a practice saw their AR spike by $70,000 due to inadequate verification, I walk through exactly why checking just the basics—deductibles, maximums, and coverage percentages—is no longer enough. The game has fundamentally changed. Through leased networks and umbrella plans like Connection Dental and DentaMax, carriers can apply completely different fee schedules than you expect, even when you think you're out of network.
Most importantly, I share the specific questions you must ask during insurance verification to protect your practice: Are we in-network or out-of-network with this specific plan? Are we directly contracted or leased through another network? Which fee schedule applies to our office for this plan? Does this patient's plan fall under a specific PPO tier, group or level? These questions will transform how you set up patient accounts and present treatment plans.
Ready to stop the bleeding and take control of your insurance verification process? Download my free verification checklist in the show notes and start mapping your complete network participation status today. Your billing department—and your bank account—will thank you.
Schedule a demo with MaxAssist to unlock scheduleing potential here:
https://maxassist.com/book-a-demo-fortune-billing/
Join The Biller Acceleration Mentorship Wait List Here: (Only 5 Spots Left in 2025!!)
https://linktr.ee/dental_billing_coach
Would you like to set-up a billing consultation with Ericka? She would love the opportunity to discuss your billing questions and see how Fortune Billing Solutions may help you.
Email Ericka:
ericka@dentalbillingdoneright.com
Schedule a call with Ericka:
https://calendly.com/ericka-dentalbillingdoneright/30min
Perio performance formula:
(D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910)/(D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910+D1110)
Delta Dental Locum Tenens Form:
https://www1.deltadentalins.com/content/dam/ddins/en/pdf/dentists/locum-tenens-form.pdf
Got questions? Send Ericka a Text!
Insurance companies are using AI to evaluate dental x-rays, denying claims when specific landmarks aren't visible in the images. This shift means approximately 70% of claims are now processed through artificial intelligence systems that disqualify submissions based on technical deficiencies rather than subjective human review.
• Poor quality x-rays with cone cuts or missing apexes give insurance companies legitimate reasons to deny payment
• Clinical teams need training to understand what qualifying x-rays look like for different procedures
• Billing starts with proper clinical documentation and supporting attachments, not in the billing department
• Digital x-rays allow immediate quality assessment - retake poor images immediately
• Even the best billers can't overcome insufficient evidence when appealing denials
• Creating a list of procedures requiring x-rays and examples of qualifying images can help train staff
• When benefits are available and evidence is sufficient, insurance companies should pay claims
• Proper documentation creates leverage when fighting unreasonable claim denials
If you need help training your clinical teams on how to improve x-ray quality for insurance submissions, I have a step-by-step process available. Send me a message to discuss what's happening in your office.
Schedule a demo with MaxAssist to unlock scheduleing potential here:
https://maxassist.com/book-a-demo-fortune-billing/
Join The Biller Acceleration Mentorship Wait List Here: (Only 5 Spots Left in 2025!!)
https://linktr.ee/dental_billing_coach
Would you like to set-up a billing consultation with Ericka? She would love the opportunity to discuss your billing questions and see how Fortune Billing Solutions may help you.
Email Ericka:
ericka@dentalbillingdoneright.com
Schedule a call with Ericka:
https://calendly.com/ericka-dentalbillingdoneright/30min
Perio performance formula:
(D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910)/(D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910+D1110)
Delta Dental Locum Tenens Form:
https://www1.deltadentalins.com/content/dam/ddins/en/pdf/dentists/locum-tenens-form.pdf
Got questions? Send Ericka a Text!
After rebranding my company and going solo without a business partner, I discovered I needed to get intentional about how I showed up, leading to 10x growth for Fortune Billing Solutions in just one year.
• Tracked every minute of my day for two weeks to discover I was creating chaos for myself and my team
• Implemented structured timeblocking for client meetings, discovery calls, team one-on-ones, podcast recording, and CEO strategy
• Created a daily "miracle hour" focused on follow-ups, marketing, outreach and business development
• Organized my week using theme days: Mondays for admin, Tuesdays for client strategy, Wednesdays for creative work, Thursdays for business development, and "Follow-up Fridays"
• Turned off all notifications during deep work hours with only my daughter as a VIP contact
• End each day with a shutdown routine to check accomplishments and set tomorrow's priorities
• Dental billing insight: High patient AR often stems from improper co-pay calculations upfront and improper adjustments on the backend
• Color-code your calendar to make patterns visible: blue for client work, green for business development, yellow for admin, red for distractions
Book a free billing audit with us. We'd love to help you find the billing opportunities hiding in plain sight.
Schedule a demo with MaxAssist to unlock scheduleing potential here:
https://maxassist.com/book-a-demo-fortune-billing/
Join The Biller Acceleration Mentorship Wait List Here: (Only 5 Spots Left in 2025!!)
https://linktr.ee/dental_billing_coach
Would you like to set-up a billing consultation with Ericka? She would love the opportunity to discuss your billing questions and see how Fortune Billing Solutions may help you.
Email Ericka:
ericka@dentalbillingdoneright.com
Schedule a call with Ericka:
https://calendly.com/ericka-dentalbillingdoneright/30min
Perio performance formula:
(D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910)/(D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910+D1110)
Delta Dental Locum Tenens Form:
https://www1.deltadentalins.com/content/dam/ddins/en/pdf/dentists/locum-tenens-form.pdf
Got questions? Send Ericka a Text!
A powerful reading of "Chapter 4: Built from Grit" from the book "I'm Just the Biller" shares the journey from humble beginnings to nationwide success in dental billing education. This authentic narrative speaks directly to the unsung heroes of dental practices, reminding listeners that success isn't about where you start but the invisible grit that carries you forward.
• Started career while dealing with a workplace bully who undermined confidence and flaunted material possessions
• Worked two jobs simultaneously as a dental biller and ER tech to save for first home
• First workshop in 2011 had just nine attendees who paid $19 each
• Evolved from Craigslist marketing to hosting 156 people at the JW Marriott in Los Angeles
• Experienced a full-circle moment when former bully became part of an office requiring billing consultation
• Built a nationwide platform over a decade of dedicated work in dental coding and billing education
• Recognizes that setbacks, disappointments and closed doors ultimately contributed to growth and resilience
Share this episode with your co-worker, office bestie, or that teammate who needs to hear they're just getting started. Follow the show, leave a review, and connect on Instagram @dentalbillingcoach for behind-the-scenes content, billing tips, and support for the people holding the dental profession together.
Schedule a demo with MaxAssist to unlock scheduleing potential here:
https://maxassist.com/book-a-demo-fortune-billing/
Join The Biller Acceleration Mentorship Wait List Here: (Only 5 Spots Left in 2025!!)
https://linktr.ee/dental_billing_coach
Would you like to set-up a billing consultation with Ericka? She would love the opportunity to discuss your billing questions and see how Fortune Billing Solutions may help you.
Email Ericka:
ericka@dentalbillingdoneright.com
Schedule a call with Ericka:
https://calendly.com/ericka-dentalbillingdoneright/30min
Perio performance formula:
(D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910)/(D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910+D1110)
Delta Dental Locum Tenens Form:
https://www1.deltadentalins.com/content/dam/ddins/en/pdf/dentists/locum-tenens-form.pdf
Got questions? Send Ericka a Text!
Artificial intelligence has quietly revolutionized how dental insurance claims are processed, and most dental offices don't even realize it. Today we pull back the curtain on Novo Dynamics and their Novo Health Dental AI system that's scrutinizing your x-rays, documentation, and billing patterns before a human reviewer ever sees your claim.
The game has changed dramatically. Insurance companies have trained AI systems to review claims using very specific criteria determined by their own dental consultants—not treating clinicians. These systems don't just look at individual claims but cross-check x-rays across multiple insurance carriers, analyze your practice's billing patterns, and compare you to other providers in your area. If your practice performs more crowns, SRPs, or implants than what AI considers "average," all your claims face increased scrutiny regardless of their legitimacy.
This technological shift demands we evolve from merely submitting "clean claims" to creating "AI-proof claims." High-quality, clear x-rays that perfectly demonstrate necessity, concise standardized narratives, and meticulous documentation are no longer optional—they're essential. When AI improperly denies claims, request human review promptly. Document patterns of improper denials and report systematic issues to your insurance commissioner. The days of assuming a person will review your claim are over, but by understanding how these systems work, you can adapt your strategies to overcome these new barriers to reimbursement.
Ready to level up your billing skills and connect with fellow dental billers? Join us for our upcoming live workshop in Dallas! Send "Dallas" in a direct message to @dental_billing_coach on Instagram for your chance to win an all-expenses-paid trip to the event. Looking forward to diving deeper into AI and dental billing in our next episode where we'll share real-world denial stories and more strategies to beat the algorithms at their own game.
Schedule a demo with MaxAssist to unlock scheduleing potential here:
https://maxassist.com/book-a-demo-fortune-billing/
Join The Biller Acceleration Mentorship Wait List Here: (Only 5 Spots Left in 2025!!)
https://linktr.ee/dental_billing_coach
Would you like to set-up a billing consultation with Ericka? She would love the opportunity to discuss your billing questions and see how Fortune Billing Solutions may help you.
Email Ericka:
ericka@dentalbillingdoneright.com
Schedule a call with Ericka:
https://calendly.com/ericka-dentalbillingdoneright/30min
Perio performance formula:
(D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910)/(D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910+D1110)
Delta Dental Locum Tenens Form:
https://www1.deltadentalins.com/content/dam/ddins/en/pdf/dentists/locum-tenens-form.pdf
Got questions? Send Ericka a Text!
Dental billing has undergone a dramatic transformation since the carefree days of the late 1990s. What was once a straightforward process—send a claim, get paid, move on—has evolved into a complex system demanding meticulous attention to detail and strict compliance measures. The reason? Insurance companies have woken up to the staggering $12.5 billion lost annually to dental fraud, and they're scrutinizing claims like never before.
You don't need to be committing actual fraud to get caught in this web. Cutting corners, skipping steps, and clinging to outdated "backyard billing" habits can quickly put a target on your practice. Are you submitting claims without checking clinical notes? Skipping attachments to get claims out faster? Using coding loopholes that worked a decade ago? These practices aren't just inefficient—they're potentially putting your practice at risk for denials, audits, and recoupment demands.
True billing expertise isn't defined by years of experience but by commitment to compliance and continuous education. It means verifying clinical documentation matches what you're billing, understanding dental necessity requirements, staying current with coding changes, and implementing robust follow-up systems. It means knowing when to push back when insurance companies request additional information despite receiving sufficient evidence the first time. Most importantly, it means understanding your state's prompt pay laws and holding insurance companies accountable when they attempt to delay payment beyond legal timeframes.
The transition from backyard billing to compliant billing isn't complicated, but it requires intentionality. Start by implementing daily report monitoring, creating standardized billing protocols, and ensuring your team understands compliance requirements. The reward? Fewer denials, faster reimbursements, and significantly less stress from chasing payments that should have been received the first time. Remember: the goal isn't just getting claims paid—it's getting them done right.
Schedule a demo with MaxAssist to unlock scheduleing potential here:
https://maxassist.com/book-a-demo-fortune-billing/
Join The Biller Acceleration Mentorship Wait List Here: (Only 5 Spots Left in 2025!!)
https://linktr.ee/dental_billing_coach
Would you like to set-up a billing consultation with Ericka? She would love the opportunity to discuss your billing questions and see how Fortune Billing Solutions may help you.
Email Ericka:
ericka@dentalbillingdoneright.com
Schedule a call with Ericka:
https://calendly.com/ericka-dentalbillingdoneright/30min
Perio performance formula:
(D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910)/(D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910+D1110)
Delta Dental Locum Tenens Form:
https://www1.deltadentalins.com/content/dam/ddins/en/pdf/dentists/locum-tenens-form.pdf
Got questions? Send Ericka a Text!
Uncover the critical connections between HIPAA compliance and dental billing practices in our episode featuring host Ericka Aguilar. Discover how safeguarding patient privacy extends beyond ethical boundaries to play a pivotal role in averting billing fraud in dental practices. We delve into the cutting-edge strategies employed by insurance companies, such as predictive analytics, to detect inconsistencies and initiate audits without relying on whistleblowers. Erika sheds light on the risks associated with common pitfalls like inappropriate code adjustments and the negligent waiving of co-payments that insurers might interpret as fraudulent activity. By gaining a deeper understanding of insurance audits and adhering strictly to HIPAA's privacy, breach, and anti-kickback policies, dental professionals can uphold their practice's integrity and maintain the trust of insurance companies.
Explore the heightened scrutiny dental offices face due to the rise of AI in insurance auditing, as Ericka highlights the dire consequences of billing inaccuracies, including high denial rates and the ominous threat of clawbacks. With the potential for significant financial repercussions, she emphasizes the importance of accurate billing and the dangers of fraudulent resubmissions. Learn how diligent denial tracking and effective appeals can be your defense against unnecessary audits and penalties. Hear practical advice on how to navigate the complexities of maintaining compliance, including when to involve the insurance commissioner to protect your practice from potential pitfalls and maintain ethical billing standards.
Schedule a demo with MaxAssist to unlock scheduleing potential here:
https://maxassist.com/book-a-demo-fortune-billing/
Join The Biller Acceleration Mentorship Wait List Here: (Only 5 Spots Left in 2025!!)
https://linktr.ee/dental_billing_coach
Would you like to set-up a billing consultation with Ericka? She would love the opportunity to discuss your billing questions and see how Fortune Billing Solutions may help you.
Email Ericka:
ericka@dentalbillingdoneright.com
Schedule a call with Ericka:
https://calendly.com/ericka-dentalbillingdoneright/30min
Perio performance formula:
(D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910)/(D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910+D1110)
Delta Dental Locum Tenens Form:
https://www1.deltadentalins.com/content/dam/ddins/en/pdf/dentists/locum-tenens-form.pdf
Got questions? Send Ericka a Text!
Tired of bureaucratic inefficiencies and missed technological opportunities? Join us as we analyze the healthcare workforce, dissecting the tough reality of supply and demand in medical residencies, with a special focus on the rising field of pediatric dentistry. We'll reflect on personal encounters with government red tape and ponder how the tech boom of the 90s could have spurred a much-needed modernization of government systems. We'll even speculate on how influential figures like Bill Gates and Elon Musk could have further propelled these advancements.
Thinking about launching your dental career in an underserved area? Discover strategic insights on how to capitalize on dental care shortages by using data to pinpoint opportunities, and learn how buying out retiring dentists can set the stage for a prosperous practice. We also debate whether specialization in high-demand services like endodontics requires extensive schooling or if ambition and a good attitude can suffice. Expect candid discussions on the importance of self-care and reassessing your career path to ensure it brings you joy, much like evaluating the health of your personal relationships.
As technology continues to transform industries, we'll highlight why it's crucial to keep your skills sharp, whatever your field of expertise. From the evolution of dental billing practices and the indispensable role of consultants to the need for continuous education in today's rapidly changing world, our conversation covers it all. Enjoy a light-hearted wrap-up as we share personal family anecdotes that remind us of the importance of gratitude and the fun quirks of familial bonds. Prepare for an engaging episode that combines professional insights with personal charm.
Schedule a demo with MaxAssist to unlock scheduleing potential here:
https://maxassist.com/book-a-demo-fortune-billing/
Join The Biller Acceleration Mentorship Wait List Here: (Only 5 Spots Left in 2025!!)
https://linktr.ee/dental_billing_coach
Would you like to set-up a billing consultation with Ericka? She would love the opportunity to discuss your billing questions and see how Fortune Billing Solutions may help you.
Email Ericka:
ericka@dentalbillingdoneright.com
Schedule a call with Ericka:
https://calendly.com/ericka-dentalbillingdoneright/30min
Perio performance formula:
(D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910)/(D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910+D1110)
Delta Dental Locum Tenens Form:
https://www1.deltadentalins.com/content/dam/ddins/en/pdf/dentists/locum-tenens-form.pdf
Got questions? Send Ericka a Text!
Legendary dental expert and Founder of Dental Town Howard Farran joins me, Ericka Aguilar, for a compelling exploration of the future of dentistry, challenging the conventional norms that govern the industry. We embark on a fascinating journey through Howard's personal story, from Kansas to Arizona, navigating the complex economic barriers and education demands that define the profession. Together, we unravel the financial intricacies of being a dentist, contrasting the roles of general practitioners, specialists, and practice owners while scrutinizing the implications of operating within a cartel system.
The digital age is upon us, and AI is set to redefine the landscape of dental practices. We dissect the inefficiencies plaguing current practice management software and uncover how AI innovations, like the pioneering dental AI chatbot, promise to streamline operations and unlock new levels of efficiency. Drawing from a wealth of experience, the conversation paints a vivid picture of how AI can transform the way dental practices operate, enhancing both user experience and operational effectiveness, setting a new benchmark for the industry.
As we navigate the evolving business dynamics and global challenges in dentistry, the conversation broadens to encompass healthcare access in America. We shine a light on the disparities in dental and women's health services, particularly in rural areas, and consider the potential of international specialists to bridge these gaps. Our discussion also highlights the pivotal role of Dental Service Organizations in capital formation and their strategic influence in the market. Through it all, we stress the importance of ensuring quality and integrity by having industry-specific professionals at the helm, safeguarding the core values of dentistry amid shifting economic and regulatory environments.
Schedule a demo with MaxAssist to unlock scheduleing potential here:
https://maxassist.com/book-a-demo-fortune-billing/
Join The Biller Acceleration Mentorship Wait List Here: (Only 5 Spots Left in 2025!!)
https://linktr.ee/dental_billing_coach
Would you like to set-up a billing consultation with Ericka? She would love the opportunity to discuss your billing questions and see how Fortune Billing Solutions may help you.
Email Ericka:
ericka@dentalbillingdoneright.com
Schedule a call with Ericka:
https://calendly.com/ericka-dentalbillingdoneright/30min
Perio performance formula:
(D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910)/(D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910+D1110)
Delta Dental Locum Tenens Form:
https://www1.deltadentalins.com/content/dam/ddins/en/pdf/dentists/locum-tenens-form.pdf
Got questions? Send Ericka a Text!
This episode focuses on the critical issue of managing credit balances in dental practices and the associated legal implications. Various state laws dictate how these balances should be handled, with non-compliance leading to potential fines, making it essential for dental offices to incorporate credit balance reports into their regular billing processes.
• Overview of why credit balances are often ignored
• Importance of credit balance reports in financial management
• Explanation of state laws and dormancy periods for unclaimed property
• Consequences of failing to manage credit balances
• Practical steps to take for compliance and management
• Resources provided for state-specific compliance information
• Call for proactive measures in managing credit balances
Link to check your states laws for unclaimed property:
https://unclaimed.org/state-reporting/
Schedule a demo with MaxAssist to unlock scheduleing potential here:
https://maxassist.com/book-a-demo-fortune-billing/
Join The Biller Acceleration Mentorship Wait List Here: (Only 5 Spots Left in 2025!!)
https://linktr.ee/dental_billing_coach
Would you like to set-up a billing consultation with Ericka? She would love the opportunity to discuss your billing questions and see how Fortune Billing Solutions may help you.
Email Ericka:
ericka@dentalbillingdoneright.com
Schedule a call with Ericka:
https://calendly.com/ericka-dentalbillingdoneright/30min
Perio performance formula:
(D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910)/(D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910+D1110)
Delta Dental Locum Tenens Form:
https://www1.deltadentalins.com/content/dam/ddins/en/pdf/dentists/locum-tenens-form.pdf
Got questions? Send Ericka a Text!
The episode encapsulates a life-changing mastermind weekend experiences shared by three female entrepreneurs. They explore themes of accountability, personal growth, and overcoming mind trash, highlighting the necessity of supportive networks in elevating one’s entrepreneurial journey.
• Erika reflects on her long-held dream of hosting a mastermind
• Participants share breakthroughs and insights gained from their connection
• Discussion around "mind trash" and how to overcome limiting fears
• Focus on the importance of accountability among peers for business growth
• Vision setting for the upcoming year, emphasizing positivity and clarity
• A call to action for aspiring entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams and seek support
Schedule a demo with MaxAssist to unlock scheduleing potential here:
https://maxassist.com/book-a-demo-fortune-billing/
Join The Biller Acceleration Mentorship Wait List Here: (Only 5 Spots Left in 2025!!)
https://linktr.ee/dental_billing_coach
Would you like to set-up a billing consultation with Ericka? She would love the opportunity to discuss your billing questions and see how Fortune Billing Solutions may help you.
Email Ericka:
ericka@dentalbillingdoneright.com
Schedule a call with Ericka:
https://calendly.com/ericka-dentalbillingdoneright/30min
Perio performance formula:
(D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910)/(D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910+D1110)
Delta Dental Locum Tenens Form:
https://www1.deltadentalins.com/content/dam/ddins/en/pdf/dentists/locum-tenens-form.pdf
Got questions? Send Ericka a Text!
This episode highlights the essential components of a streamlined and effective daily workflow for dental billing professionals. Emphasizing critical reporting, compliance, and continuous education, we aim to empower new and experienced billers alike.
• Overview of the Dental Billing Mastery Course
• Importance of establishing a daily rhythm in billing
• Running Procedures Not Attached and Claims Not Sent reports
• Verifying clinical documentation and quality attachments
• Role of the clearinghouse in claims submission
• Timely follow-up procedures for older claims
• Monthly reporting and reconciliation tasks
• Importance of understanding compliance regulations
• Continuous professional education for successful billing practices
Schedule a demo with MaxAssist to unlock scheduleing potential here:
https://maxassist.com/book-a-demo-fortune-billing/
Join The Biller Acceleration Mentorship Wait List Here: (Only 5 Spots Left in 2025!!)
https://linktr.ee/dental_billing_coach
Would you like to set-up a billing consultation with Ericka? She would love the opportunity to discuss your billing questions and see how Fortune Billing Solutions may help you.
Email Ericka:
ericka@dentalbillingdoneright.com
Schedule a call with Ericka:
https://calendly.com/ericka-dentalbillingdoneright/30min
Perio performance formula:
(D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910)/(D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910+D1110)
Delta Dental Locum Tenens Form:
https://www1.deltadentalins.com/content/dam/ddins/en/pdf/dentists/locum-tenens-form.pdf
Got questions? Send Ericka a Text!
Imagine transforming your career by launching a home-based dental billing business that aligns perfectly with your lifestyle and personal commitments. In this episode, I guide Esmeralda, a seasoned dental biller, through the exciting and challenging transition from working in a single dental practice to becoming an independent entrepreneur. We promise you’ll gain invaluable insights into how resilience, strategic planning, and a keen understanding of business fundamentals can pave the way for success in this evolving industry. Join us as we explore how boutique approaches can offer a competitive edge against larger companies, drawing from my own journey that began back in 1998.
We delve into the advantages of managing a small client base, highlighting how this focus can lead to both financial prosperity and a healthy work-life balance. As we discuss the critical steps of consulting a CPA and a small business attorney, the emphasis is on building a solid business foundation and safeguarding personal assets. The importance of having robust contracts and financial reserves cannot be understated. We also touch on the significance of excellent customer service and leadership in sustaining growth. Whether you're contemplating a similar career change or adapting to the shifting dental billing landscape, this episode is packed with inspiration and guidance for your entrepreneurial journey.
Schedule a demo with MaxAssist to unlock scheduleing potential here:
https://maxassist.com/book-a-demo-fortune-billing/
Join The Biller Acceleration Mentorship Wait List Here: (Only 5 Spots Left in 2025!!)
https://linktr.ee/dental_billing_coach
Would you like to set-up a billing consultation with Ericka? She would love the opportunity to discuss your billing questions and see how Fortune Billing Solutions may help you.
Email Ericka:
ericka@dentalbillingdoneright.com
Schedule a call with Ericka:
https://calendly.com/ericka-dentalbillingdoneright/30min
Perio performance formula:
(D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910)/(D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910+D1110)
Delta Dental Locum Tenens Form:
https://www1.deltadentalins.com/content/dam/ddins/en/pdf/dentists/locum-tenens-form.pdf
Got questions? Send Ericka a Text!
Unlock the secrets to navigating the often-confusing world of dental billing with our latest episode, where we promise to make the coordination of benefits (COB) your new superpower. When a patient is juggling multiple insurance plans, determining the primary insurance can feel like solving a complex puzzle. We'll walk you through the essential rules and scenarios, including the role of the patient's employer's insurance, the birthday rule for dependent children, and the significance of the custodial parent's plan. Plus, we dive into the critical understanding of whether an insurance plan includes a COB clause, and what to do if it doesn't, to ensure your claims are never delayed or rejected.
Our mini master class is designed to empower you with the knowledge to avoid potential audits and reimbursement issues. Discover why non-duplication of benefits can be a game-changer in your billing strategy, and learn how to make the secondary insurance work for you when the primary has already paid its share. I'm passionate about equipping you with practical tools for smarter billing practices. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, you won't want to miss this opportunity to sharpen your skills. Grab your notepad and let's transform your approach to dental billing together. Don't forget to reach out with your questions and share this episode with colleagues who could benefit from these insights!
Schedule a demo with MaxAssist to unlock scheduleing potential here:
https://maxassist.com/book-a-demo-fortune-billing/
Join The Biller Acceleration Mentorship Wait List Here: (Only 5 Spots Left in 2025!!)
https://linktr.ee/dental_billing_coach
Would you like to set-up a billing consultation with Ericka? She would love the opportunity to discuss your billing questions and see how Fortune Billing Solutions may help you.
Email Ericka:
ericka@dentalbillingdoneright.com
Schedule a call with Ericka:
https://calendly.com/ericka-dentalbillingdoneright/30min
Perio performance formula:
(D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910)/(D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910+D1110)
Delta Dental Locum Tenens Form:
https://www1.deltadentalins.com/content/dam/ddins/en/pdf/dentists/locum-tenens-form.pdf
Got questions? Send Ericka a Text!
Unlock the secrets of dental billing as we challenge the conventional wisdom surrounding Coordination of Benefits and reveal strategies that can revolutionize your practice's revenue flow. Ever wondered why patients with dual coverage often face billing confusion? We unravel these complexities and offer practical insights to enhance collections and maintain patient trust. This episode is essential listening for anyone looking to master the intricate insurance rules and avoid the common pitfalls that lead to billing errors.
Dive deep into the importance of a robust follow-up system to shield your practice against revenue leaks. Discover how strategic reminders and effective follow-up protocols can dramatically reduce your days in Accounts Receivable, boosting your financial health. We critique the flaws in current insurance verification processes and stress the necessity of proper data entry for transparent billing. Gain actionable steps for accurately presenting treatment plans to avoid unexpected patient balances and dissatisfaction.
Transform your billing practices with real-world solutions designed to enhance collections and patient satisfaction. Hear firsthand reports from billers on the front lines and learn how to implement necessary adjustments that align with clear financial conversations, especially with new patients. By adopting comprehensive appointment and financial policies, you'll foster greater transparency and trust, leading to improved patient retention. Don't miss this opportunity to refine your billing processes and tackle challenges head-on for lasting success.
Schedule a demo with MaxAssist to unlock scheduleing potential here:
https://maxassist.com/book-a-demo-fortune-billing/
Join The Biller Acceleration Mentorship Wait List Here: (Only 5 Spots Left in 2025!!)
https://linktr.ee/dental_billing_coach
Would you like to set-up a billing consultation with Ericka? She would love the opportunity to discuss your billing questions and see how Fortune Billing Solutions may help you.
Email Ericka:
ericka@dentalbillingdoneright.com
Schedule a call with Ericka:
https://calendly.com/ericka-dentalbillingdoneright/30min
Perio performance formula:
(D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910)/(D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910+D1110)
Delta Dental Locum Tenens Form:
https://www1.deltadentalins.com/content/dam/ddins/en/pdf/dentists/locum-tenens-form.pdf
Got questions? Send Ericka a Text!
Unlock the secrets to error-free dental billing with insights from our esteemed guest, Jennifer Lyman, a seasoned hygiene coach and expert in the field. Join us as we uncover the common pitfalls that even experienced dental billers face and how to sidestep them for smoother operations and compliance. From the importance of keeping up with the American Dental Association’s annual coding updates to understanding the nuances of the CDT codes, we gear you up with the knowledge to eliminate costly errors and maximize your practice’s performance. Discover why the debridement code is often misunderstood and how getting it right can enhance your periodontal outcomes.
In this enlightening episode, we delve into the art of meticulous dental billing practices and the critical role of accurate clinical documentation. We emphasize the necessity of understanding Explanation of Benefits (EOBs) and balancing accounts daily to safeguard your practice’s financial health. With Jennifer, we explore the risks of over-relying on templates and the essential need for patient-specific details to prevent fraud allegations and claim denials. By the end of our discussion, you'll have actionable strategies to revolutionize your billing processes and ensure your documentation is as precise as your dental work.
Schedule a demo with MaxAssist to unlock scheduleing potential here:
https://maxassist.com/book-a-demo-fortune-billing/
Join The Biller Acceleration Mentorship Wait List Here: (Only 5 Spots Left in 2025!!)
https://linktr.ee/dental_billing_coach
Would you like to set-up a billing consultation with Ericka? She would love the opportunity to discuss your billing questions and see how Fortune Billing Solutions may help you.
Email Ericka:
ericka@dentalbillingdoneright.com
Schedule a call with Ericka:
https://calendly.com/ericka-dentalbillingdoneright/30min
Perio performance formula:
(D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910)/(D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910+D1110)
Delta Dental Locum Tenens Form:
https://www1.deltadentalins.com/content/dam/ddins/en/pdf/dentists/locum-tenens-form.pdf
What if you could reignite your passion for your job and drastically improve patient outcomes at the same time? Tune in to hear the inspiring story of Trish, a dental hygienist who transformed her career from burnout to joy. Trish reveals her journey of mastering periodontal care, saliva testing, and insurance coding, and how these skills not only reignited her love for her work but also elevated the quality of care in her practice. Find out why chart prepping days in advance became her secret weapon for accurate coding and effective treatment.
Unlock the secrets of effective communication in dental billing as Trish debunks myths and shares her personal experiences. Discover why proper coding, including the updated 2024 claim form and box 39A, is crucial for avoiding claim denials and ensuring smooth processing. This episode underscores the power of perseverance and self-advocacy in achieving job satisfaction and better patient care.
Navigate the complexities of patient communication and insurance education with us. We discuss tackling patient resistance to treatments, the significance of unified messaging within dental teams, and the impact of insurance myths on patient care. Additionally, we delve into international billing challenges and connect our listeners with experts for further insights. Don’t miss this episode packed with actionable tips to enhance both patient trust and practice revenue.
Schedule a FREE consultation with Ericka :
https://link.brandbuilderai.com/widget/bookings/hdprofit/followup
Want to take advantage of a free coding and billing analysis? Click here to get started:
https://link.hiddendentalprofit.com/widget/booking/4oknScvRsz4M1xhl5fyp
Connect with Ericka on LinkedIn:
www.linkedin.com/in/dentalbillingcoach
Email Ericka:
billingcoach@hiddendentalprofit.com
Email Jen:
jen@hiddendentalprofit.com
Perio performance formula:
(D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910)/(D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910+D1110)
Want to know what your fee should be for D4346? Send Ericka an email to ericka@veritasdentalresources.com
What if everything you thought you knew about dental hygiene billing was wrong? Join us for an eye-opening discussion with Jen, a veteran hygienist turned billing expert, as she uncovers the hidden intricacies of dental billing and the imperative role of accurate documentation. From debunking myths like the impossibility of combining SRPs and prophylaxis to the critical need for detailed perio charting, Jen provides actionable insights that can revolutionize how you approach patient care and billing.
We also delve into best practices for addressing periodontal disease, exploring why a significant portion of your patient base should be receiving more specialized care. Learn about the common pitfalls in hygiene billing—from overlooked services like desensitizers and local anesthesia to the importance of standardized protocols within hygiene teams. Thanks to Jessica's dedication, discover how implementing cohesive guidelines can lead to a more efficient practice, better patient outcomes, and increased job satisfaction for hygienists. Don't miss this chance to enhance your practice’s efficiency and patient care standards.
Schedule a FREE consultation with Ericka :
https://link.brandbuilderai.com/widget/bookings/hdprofit/followup
Want to take advantage of a free coding and billing analysis? Click here to get started:
https://link.hiddendentalprofit.com/widget/booking/4oknScvRsz4M1xhl5fyp
Connect with Ericka on LinkedIn:
www.linkedin.com/in/dentalbillingcoach
Email Ericka:
billingcoach@hiddendentalprofit.com
Email Jen:
jen@hiddendentalprofit.com
Perio performance formula:
(D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910)/(D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910+D1110)
Want to know what your fee should be for D4346? Send Ericka an email to ericka@veritasdentalresources.com
Unlock the secrets behind effective dental billing and become a champion for patient advocacy with our expert panel! You'll leave this episode equipped with actionable strategies to improve insurance reimbursement, combat claim denials, and ensure ethical billing practices. Join me, Erica Aguilar, alongside my colleagues Jennifer Lyman, Patricia, Tessina, and Amy as we dismantle common myths in dental billing and hygiene, revealing the crucial steps you can take to prevent claim denials and manage burnout among hygienists.
From mastering accurate coding practices to leveraging the power of the insurance commissioner, we cover it all. Tessina shares her expertise on creating strong claims by incorporating patient comorbidities, ensuring your submissions clearly demonstrate dental or medical necessity. Amy offers her proactive approach to fighting denials, guaranteeing that rightful claims are honored without unnecessary delays. This episode is packed with insights that will shift your mindset, enabling you to advocate more effectively for your patients and navigate the complexities of dental billing with confidence.
Schedule a FREE consultation with Ericka :
https://link.brandbuilderai.com/widget/bookings/hdprofit/followup
Want to take advantage of a free coding and billing analysis? Click here to get started:
https://link.hiddendentalprofit.com/widget/booking/4oknScvRsz4M1xhl5fyp
Connect with Ericka on LinkedIn:
www.linkedin.com/in/dentalbillingcoach
Email Ericka:
billingcoach@hiddendentalprofit.com
Email Jen:
jen@hiddendentalprofit.com
Perio performance formula:
(D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910)/(D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910+D1110)
Want to know what your fee should be for D4346? Send Ericka an email to ericka@veritasdentalresources.com
Unlock the secrets behind insurance claim denials and empower your practice with actionable insights from Tessina, the president of Veris Insurance Verification. Learn why some offices are more frequently targeted for denials and how to avoid this costly pitfall by optimizing your insurance verification processes. Tessina’s hands-on experience in training, consulting, and coaching offers invaluable strategies to ensure all forms are accurately completed and entered into your software systems, minimizing the risk of random denials and boosting your office’s efficiency.
Discover the power of collective action in advocating for patient rights against insurance company misconduct. We delve into a compelling case study involving UnitedHealthcare, where coordinated complaints from multiple offices sparked significant nationwide policy changes. Understand the critical differences between self-funded and fully insured plans, and get expert advice on filing effective complaints with the insurance commissioner. Tessina emphasizes the far-reaching impact of even a single report, showing how your voice can contribute to industry-wide improvements.
In our final segment, we dispel the myth that healthcare providers are beyond challenge and highlight the importance of proper coding and billing practices. By advocating for thorough insurance verification and detailed patient intake processes, Tessina shows how to create clean claims and prevent revenue loss. Stay informed on the ever-evolving landscape of insurance codes and payment policies, particularly for dental procedures, and ensure your practice remains vigilant to avoid unnecessary denials. Tune in to empower your office staff and patients, fostering a culture of proactive healthcare management.
Schedule a FREE consultation with Ericka :
https://link.brandbuilderai.com/widget/bookings/hdprofit/followup
Want to take advantage of a free coding and billing analysis? Click here to get started:
https://link.hiddendentalprofit.com/widget/booking/4oknScvRsz4M1xhl5fyp
Connect with Ericka on LinkedIn:
www.linkedin.com/in/dentalbillingcoach
Email Ericka:
billingcoach@hiddendentalprofit.com
Email Jen:
jen@hiddendentalprofit.com
Perio performance formula:
(D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910)/(D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910+D1110)
Want to know what your fee should be for D4346? Send Ericka an email to ericka@veritasdentalresources.com
Send us a Text Message.
Can emotional intelligence be the secret ingredient to achieving high case acceptance rates in dental practices? Join us for a compelling conversation with Mani, a seasoned dental professional with over three decades of experience, as she takes us through her journey from a humble receptionist to a successful practice owner. With a strong focus on the human connection, Mani reveals the profound impact of reading body language and building trust with patients, and how these skills have driven her remarkable success in the field.
In this episode, we uncover the essence of building authentic relationships in dentistry. Mani shares an inspiring story of being recognized by Nobel Biocare for her exceptional implant placements during the 2009 recession, illustrating the power of genuine patient connections over transactional interactions. By establishing trust and value, Mani provides insights on how emotional intelligence can significantly enhance patient satisfaction and contribute to practice growth, highlighting the dynamic between analytical thinkers and empathetic feelers in achieving this balance.
As we wrap up, we delve into Mani's passion for mentorship and her journey with Livv Consulting. Celebrating her accomplishments, including her impressive work in top surgery centers and her dedication to guiding the next generation, the episode underscores the importance of collaboration and mentorship in the dental industry. With heartfelt discussions and valuable insights, this episode promises more enriching conversations with Mani in the future, leaving listeners eager for what's to come.
Schedule a FREE consultation with Ericka:
https://link.brandbuilderai.com/widget/bookings/hdprofit/followup
Connect with Ericka on LinkedIn:
www.linkedin.com/in/dentalbillingcoach
Email Ericka:
ericka@veritasdentalresourrces.com
Email Jen:
jen@hiddendentalprofit.com
Email Mani: consultantmani1@gmail.com
Perio performance formula:
(D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910)/(D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910+D1110)
Want to know what your fee should be for D4346? Send Ericka an email to ericka@veritasdentalresources.com
Send us a Text Message.
Can 60% of your dental practice's patients truly benefit from periodontal treatment? Uncover the eye-opening statistics and essential benchmarks we reveal in this latest episode. We dive into the crucial aspects of periodontal care, from understanding the CDC's findings to mastering the formula for calculating your perio performance. We also touch on common pitfalls and the importance of embracing new learning processes and consistent systems. Tune in to hear Jen's expert insights on transforming your practice's periodontal performance.
Accountability and structured protocols are the backbone of effective periodontal care, and this episode leaves no stone unturned on these critical topics. We stress the importance of strict adherence to perio protocols and consistent follow-ups, ensuring that all diagnosed conditions are treated according to standard care guidelines. Learn practical strategies to initiate changes within your practice, overcome scheduling challenges, and manage patient needs with dedicated time slots for SRPs. This episode is a treasure trove of actionable advice aimed at achieving long-term improvements in patient care.
Confidence and communication are pivotal for any dental hygienist, and we highlight their impact on patient care in this episode. Discover how understanding periodontal performance percentages and viewing patient treatment from a holistic health perspective can enhance your practice. We offer practical steps for calculating these metrics and provide invaluable resources for those seeking to improve. As we wrap up, we encourage dental hygienists to stay motivated, emphasizing the power of small steps in achieving significant improvements. A special thanks to Jen for her contributions, and stay tuned for our upcoming discussion on pediatric sleep apnea.
Connect with Ericka on LinkedIn:
www.linkedin.com/in/dentalbillingcoach
Email Ericka:
ericka@veritasdentalresourrces.com
Email Jen:
jen@hiddendentalprofit.com
Perio performance formula:
(D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910)/(D4341+D4342+D4346+D4355+D4910+D1110)
Schedule a FREE consultation with Ericka:
https://link.brandbuilderai.com/widget/bookings/hdprofit/followup
Ericka's recommendation for PPO Negotiations:
https://veritasdentalresources.com/
Ericka's recommendation for Insurance Verification Services:
https://verus.com
Want to know what your fee should be for D4346? Send Ericka an email to ericka@veritasdentalresources.com
Send us a Text Message.
Ever wondered how to elevate your dental practice's perio performance percentages? This episode promises actionable strategies that can transform your approach to periodontal care. We begin by breaking down the concept of perio performance percentage and its critical role as a key performance indicator. This isn't about singling out individual hygienists but about rallying the entire dental team towards a common goal. We'll tackle the importance of self-assessment to understand where you currently stand and how proper diagnosis, patient communication, and financial discussions can collectively enhance your practice's performance and patient outcomes.
Dental hygienists face enormous challenges, from overwhelming demands to time constraints that make optimal patient care a struggle. We delve into the emotional and professional strain this pressure can create, and how crucial support from the front office team can help. Effective communication, better scheduling protocols, and a deeper mutual understanding are essential. By empowering hygienists to manage their time for complex cases and educating the front office to support these needs, we can significantly improve patient care and practice efficiency.
We wrap up with a focus on effective patient follow-up and communication. Tools like the Gum Health Tool from Colgate can revolutionize patient education, but it's the collaborative effort between clinical and front office staff that truly makes the difference. Introducing the "Reason for Return" (RFR) in clinical notes ensures everyone is on the same page about patient follow-ups and recalls. Plus, we examine the importance of hygienists managing their own schedules with robust systems in place, emphasizing that systemic improvements and teamwork are essential for a smoothly running dental office. Tune in to learn how these strategies can drive continuous improvement in your practice.
Connect with Ericka on LinkedIn:
www.linkedin.com/in/dentalbillingcoach
Email Ericka:
ericka@veritasdentalresourrces.com
Email Jen:
jen@hiddendentalprofit.com
Schedule a FREE consultation with Ericka:
https://link.brandbuilderai.com/widget/bookings/hdprofit/followup
Ericka's recommendation for PPO Negotiations:
https://veritasdentalresources.com/
Ericka's recommendation for Insurance Verification Services:
https://verus.com
Want to know what your fee should be for D4346? Send Ericka an email to ericka@veritasdentalresources.com
Send us a Text Message.
Unlock the full potential of your dental practice with expert insights from Jennifer Lyman, our esteemed hygiene coach at Hidden Dental Profit. Together, we're cutting through the noise to bring you a comprehensive series on periodontal performance—an area too crucial to ignore. Our discussion goes beyond the surface, as we dissect perio performance percentages and their pivotal role in evaluating and enhancing the treatment of periodontal disease. We're not just crunching numbers; we're spotlighting the stark reality that many practices may be under-treating this prevalent condition. By understanding these vital statistics, dental professionals can ensure they're providing the highest standard of care for their patients.
The conversation doesn't stop at diagnosis—prepare to navigate the ins and outs of insurance reimbursements for gingivitis treatments with finesse. With Jennifer's seasoned perspective, we tackle the challenge of engaging patients in their oral health, stressing the importance of transparent communication and collaboration between the front office and hygienists. We also address the delicate balance of ethical practice and practical responses when faced with reimbursement dilemmas from companies like Delta Dental. By the end of this series, you'll be equipped with the tools and knowledge to revolutionize your hygiene and billing operations, reaffirming your commitment to patient well-being and practice profitability. Don't miss this opportunity to transform your approach to periodontal care—tune in now!
Want to connect with Jen? Send her an email:
Jen@hiddendentalprofit.com
Connect with Ericka on LinkedIn:
www.linkedin.com/in/dentalbillingcoach
Email Ericka:
ericka@veritasdentalresourrces.com
Schedule a FREE consultation with Ericka:
https://link.brandbuilderai.com/widget/bookings/hdprofit/followup
Ericka's recommendation for PPO Negotiations:
https://veritasdentalresources.com/
Ericka's recommendation for Insurance Verification Services:
https://verus.com
Want to know what your fee should be for D4346? Send Ericka an email to ericka@veritasdentalresources.com
Link to buy Eat That Frog by Brian Tracy: (not an affiliate link)
https://www.amazon.com/Eat-That-Frog-Great-Procrastinating/dp/162656941X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1JV76U7XAHWEO&keywords=eat+that+frog+by+brian+tracy&qid=1707252377&sprefix=Eat+that+%2Caps%2C413&sr=8-1
As I sat down with Tessina Bullock, the powerhouse behind Veris Insurance Verification, a tale of transformation unfolded. From her early days as a dental assistant to her ascension as a dental billing mogul, Tessina's trajectory is a masterclass in leveraging communication prowess and strategic acumen to navigate the complexities of dental insurance verification and appeals. Her insights illuminate the path for dental practitioners to not only submit claims with confidence but to also stand their ground against daunting insurance denials.
In the heart of our discussion, the significance of networking came alive through Tessina's entrepreneurial journey, proving instrumental in the birth and blossoming of Veris. As we peeled back layers of insurance verification challenges, Tessina unfurled a blueprint for preempting claim denials with comprehensive patient information—a leap toward fortifying a dental practice's revenue cycle. Tessina's narrative is a testament to the power of connections and a thorough approach to insurance verification, serving as a beacon for those in the dental arena.
Rounding out our candid conversation, we mapped the battleground of insurance claims and appeals, where Tessina shared her tactics for compelling insurance companies to honor their obligations. From the art of crafting personalized appeals to using strategic keywords and the threat of escalating issues to higher authorities, Tessana equipped listeners with an arsenal to combat insurance company tactics. Her guidance is a clarion call to dental offices, championing the notion that with the right strategies, appealing insurance denials can shift from a daunting chore to a winning endeavor.
To get in touch with Tessina:
https://verusdental.com
Connect with Ericka on LinkedIn:
www.linkedin.com/in/dentalbillingcoach
Email Ericka:
dentalbillingcoach@gmail.com
Join us for Dental Billing - Disrupted in Atlanta, GA on April 20th, 2024. For more information click the link below.
https://thedentalbillingcoach.com/
Ericka's recommendation for PPO Negotiations:
https://veritasdentalresources.com/
Want to know what your fee should be for D4346? Send Ericka an email to dentalbillingcoach@gmail.com
Link to buy Eat That Frog by Brian Tracy: (not an affiliate link)
https://www.amazon.com/Eat-That-Frog-Great-Procrastinating/dp/162656941X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1JV76U7XAHWEO&keywords=eat+that+frog+by+brian+tracy&qid=1707252377&sprefix=Eat+that+%2Caps%2C413&sr=8-1
Embark on a voyage through the complex seas of dental billing where precision and integrity are your most trusted navigators. We dissect the treacherous practices of billing for insurance benefits instead of actual services, exposing the hidden icebergs of fraud that could sink your dental practice's reputation. From the misuse of X-ray codes to the critical need for accurate clinical documentation, we illuminate the path to ethical billing, ensuring that your practice thrives financially while delivering top-notch patient care. Discover why correctly identifying procedures like periodontal maintenance isn't just about compliance—it's about honoring the trust your patients place in your hands.
Steer your practice towards the safe harbor of success by mastering the art of PPO negotiations, a skill oftentimes as overlooked as it is vital. Listen as we share insights on the power of laser bacterial reduction treatments in the fight against gingivitis, and how such protocols can not only improve patient outcomes but also boost office production. We'll delve into the importance of patient education, helping them understand their condition and how it aligns with their insurance benefits, creating a win-win scenario for their health and your practice's financial well-being. Charting these waters may seem daunting, but with our guidance, you'll navigate them like an expert captain, confident and in control.
Connect with Ericka on LinkedIn:
www.linkedin.com/in/dentalbillingcoach
Email Ericka:
dentalbillingcoach@gmail.com
Join us for Dental Billing - Disrupted in Atlanta, GA on April 20th, 2024. For more information click the link below.
https://thedentalbillingcoach.com/
Ericka's recommendation for PPO Negotiations:
https://veritasdentalresources.com/
Want to know what your fee should be for D4346? Send Ericka an email to dentalbillingcoach@gmail.com
Link to buy Eat That Frog by Brian Tracy: (not an affiliate link)
https://www.amazon.com/Eat-That-Frog-Great-Procrastinating/dp/162656941X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1JV76U7XAHWEO&keywords=eat+that+frog+by+brian+tracy&qid=1707252377&sprefix=Eat+that+%2Caps%2C413&sr=8-1
Unlock the secrets to a thriving dental practice with our latest episode, where we delve into the world of insurance profiles and KPIs with a laser focus on the top PPO plans that are shaping patient volume. Ever worried if your patient counts are accurate? We tackle the crucial task of cleaning up patient data, ensuring the numbers you see reflect the active patients you serve. This isn't just about numbers; it's about the heartbeat of your practice. Discover how understanding insurance AR, days in AR, and perioperformance percentages can unearth hidden revenue gems, especially within your hygiene department.
The unsung heroes of dental billing take center stage as we explore the meticulous world of dental assistants and their pivotal role in handling x-rays and clinical documentation. Their precision not only streamlines the billing process but is also a frontline defense against fraud. With structured decision-making tracks and performance meetings, we guide you through revolutionizing your practice's efficiency. We share real patient scenarios to empower hygienists in their treatment discussions, emphasizing consistent care and the bedrock of transparent communication.
As we wrap up, we lay out actionable strategies to supercharge your billing department's performance. By auditing and refining procedures, we show you how to achieve predictable outcomes and more robust collections. Accountability doesn't have to be a dirty word; with regular meetings and consistent oversight, we emphasize the impact of a well-oiled team on maintaining the systems we advocate. Tune in to transform your dental billing from a routine task into a strategic asset for your practice.
Connect with Ericka on LinkedIn:
www.linkedin.com/in/dentalbillingcoach
Email Ericka:
dentalbillingcoach@gmail.com
Join us for Dental Billing - Disrupted in Atlanta, GA on April 20th, 2024. For more information click the link below.
https://thedentalbillingcoach.com/
Ericka's recommendation for PPO Negotiations:
https://veritasdentalresources.com/
Want to know what your fee should be for D4346? Send Ericka an email to dentalbillingcoach@gmail.com
Link to buy Eat That Frog by Brian Tracy: (not an affiliate link)
https://www.amazon.com/Eat-That-Frog-Great-Procrastinating/dp/162656941X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1JV76U7XAHWEO&keywords=eat+that+frog+by+brian+tracy&qid=1707252377&sprefix=Eat+that+%2Caps%2C413&sr=8-1
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the labyrinth of billing and coding in your dental practice? Prepare to navigate this complex terrain with confidence as we dissect the art of billing department optimization. Our conversation steers you through the process of decluttering your practice management software, much like tidying a hoarder's abode. We confront the common fear of conflict head-on, revealing its true nature as a growth catalyst, essential for the evolution of your billing operations. With Dr. Roy Shelburne's harrowing story as a backdrop, we underscore the dire consequences of inadequate billing knowledge and the non-negotiable need for compliance in every patient transaction.
Dr. Shelburne's narrative serves as a stark wake-up call about the risks of neglecting proper billing practices—a lesson he learned the hard way. We unpack the six-part framework that transforms billing departments from chaotic to controlled, discussing everything from software setup and insurance complexities to the formulation of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Our discussion highlights the pivotal role office managers play as coaches, guiding their teams through the transformation with dedicated coaching and unwavering accountability to breathe new life into your practice's financial health.
And if you've ever questioned the potency of your dental practice management software in crafting precise treatment plans, this episode is a treasure trove of insights. We dissect the software's often-underused capabilities, emphasizing meticulous training and the exacting entry of insurance benefits. By concentrating on these strategies, you'll learn how to leverage technology to its fullest, ensuring your treatment plans are not only accurate but also reflective of the cutting-edge advancements these platforms continuously integrate. Join us for a journey that promises to fine-tune your billing efficiency and catapult your practice's revenue to unprecedented heights.
Connect with Ericka on LinkedIn:
www.linkedin.com/in/dentalbillingcoach
Email Ericka:
dentalbillingcoach@gmail.com
Join us for Dental Billing - Disrupted in Atlanta, GA on April 20th, 2024. For more information click the link below.
https://thedentalbillingcoach.com/
Ericka's recommendation for PPO Negotiations:
https://veritasdentalresources.com/
Want to know what your fee should be for D4346? Send Ericka an email to dentalbillingcoach@gmail.com
Link to buy Eat That Frog by Brian Tracy: (not an affiliate link)
https://www.amazon.com/Eat-That-Frog-Great-Procrastinating/dp/162656941X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1JV76U7XAHWEO&keywords=eat+that+frog+by+brian+tracy&qid=1707252377&sprefix=Eat+that+%2Caps%2C413&sr=8-1
Ever wondered how a seamless transition from a clinical role to office management is made? This episode is your golden ticket, packed with advice from my personal journey managing multiple dental practices. Anchoring this episode is a deep dive into the importance of understanding management principles within the dental industry. We'll share the challenges and triumphs from my adventure in the realm of dental office management and provide you with practical insights. If you are new to the office management scene, this episode will be your guidepost.
Transitioning to the structure of a dental practice, we examine the pivotal role of the billing department. An efficient billing department is a linchpin to a practice's financial success, and we discuss how an office manager can ensure this by identifying and filling performance gaps. The focus then shifts to an often overlooked aspect – the psychology of patient experience. Why do some patients willingly spend more at certain practices? The key lies in creating an exceptional patient experience, and we recommend eye-opening reads like "Unreasonable Hospitality" and "The Nordstrom Way" to further illuminate this aspect.
Lastly, we delve into the meaty topics of accountability, psychological safety, management styles, team dynamics, and their impact on a dental office. We shed light on the importance of fostering a psychologically safe environment and how doctors can support their managers' decisions. This episode will empower you to navigate through the stages of team dynamics and shape both team performance and patient experience. Whether you're an established manager seeking fresh insights or a new office manager finding your footing, this episode offers invaluable resources and strategies for enhancing patient experience and boosting your bottom line. Tune in for a journey packed with insights, inspiration, and practical tips for creating a successful and fulfilling dental practice.
Connect with Ericka on LinkedIn:
www.linkedin.com/in/dentalbillingcoach
Email Ericka:
dentalbillingcoach@gmail.com
Join us for Dental Billing - Disrupted in Atlanta, GA on April 20th, 2024. For more information click the link below.
https://thedentalbillingcoach.com/
Ericka's recommendation for PPO Negotiations:
https://veritasdentalresources.com/
Want to know what your fee should be for D4346? Send Ericka an email to dentalbillingcoach@gmail.com
Link to buy Eat That Frog by Brian Tracy: (not an affiliate link)
https://www.amazon.com/Eat-That-Frog-Great-Procrastinating/dp/162656941X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1JV76U7XAHWEO&keywords=eat+that+frog+by+brian+tracy&qid=1707252377&sprefix=Eat+that+%2Caps%2C413&sr=8-1
How would you like to get inside the mind of the legendary Howard Farran, founder of Dentaltown and author of Uncomplicate Business? We've got an enlightening chat with Howard on this episode, revealing the inspiration and journey behind creating Dentaltown, an empowering online community and mobile app for dental professionals. Howard unpacks the power of Dentaltown's resources including interactive message boards that serve as a hub for advice, support, and professional growth within the dental industry.
We don't stop there, we also delve into the critical aspect of creating a healthy work environment in the dental industry. We speak candidly about the destructive impact of toxic team members, the vital need for mentors, and the role of management in cultivating a positive work culture. Addressing and eliminating toxic behavior stands out as a major topic, with a fresh perspective on why it's better to strive for 'B players' who bring harmony, rather than 'A players' who may be toxic.
Finally, we circle back to our guest, Dr. Howard Farran, CEO and founder of Dental Town. His insightful take on the significance of networking and peer-to-peer learning in the field of dentistry is a must-listen. We encourage you, our listeners, to join Dental Town, contribute to the practice management message boards, and share your wisdom with your peers. And don't forget to download the Dental Town app for instant access to these invaluable discussions and resources at the end of this episode. Find your tribe, elevate your practice, and enhance your professional journey with us in this episode.
Connect with Ericka on LinkedIn:
www.linkedin.com/in/dentalbillingcoach
Email Ericka:
dentalbillingcoach@gmail.com
Join us for Dental Billing - Disrupted in Atlanta, GA on April 20th, 2024. For more information click the link below.
https://thedentalbillingcoach.com/
Ericka's recommendation for PPO Negotiations:
https://veritasdentalresources.com/
Want to know what your fee should be for D4346? Send Ericka an email to dentalbillingcoach@gmail.com
Link to buy Eat That Frog by Brian Tracy: (not an affiliate link)
https://www.amazon.com/Eat-That-Frog-Great-Procrastinating/dp/162656941X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1JV76U7XAHWEO&keywords=eat+that+frog+by+brian+tracy&qid=1707252377&sprefix=Eat+that+%2Caps%2C413&sr=8-1
Are you leaving money on the table due to incorrect dental billing? Ever wondered how diagnosis codes can make a difference in your practice? As your host, Erica Aguilar, I bring to you a comprehensive guide on the significance of these codes and how to pick the right one from the CDT book. We delve into the importance of documenting a diagnosis during the exam for payment qualification and how to ensure your clinical documentation is not just current but compliant.
Ever had a patient confused about the difference between a prophy and a gingivitis cleaning? Not only will we explain the necessity of code D4346 for gingivitis cleaning, but we'll also highlight how a lack of correct documentation can lead to revenue loss for your practice. We take a closer look at how insurance companies are responding to preventive measures like gingivitis cleaning. We also introduce the PREVISOR program for dental risk assessments, discussing uses of D0602 and D0603 codes for the CARRIES risk assessment, and how to enhance benefits through Delta Dental with the PREVISOR program. Get ready to step into a new era of dental billing and codes!
Connect with Ericka on LinkedIn:
www.linkedin.com/in/dentalbillingcoach
Email Ericka:
dentalbillingcoach@gmail.com
Join us for Dental Billing - Disrupted in Atlanta, GA on April 20th, 2024. For more information click the link below.
https://thedentalbillingcoach.com/
Ericka's recommendation for PPO Negotiations:
https://veritasdentalresources.com/
Want to know what your fee should be for D4346? Send Ericka an email to dentalbillingcoach@gmail.com
Link to buy Eat That Frog by Brian Tracy: (not an affiliate link)
https://www.amazon.com/Eat-That-Frog-Great-Procrastinating/dp/162656941X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1JV76U7XAHWEO&keywords=eat+that+frog+by+brian+tracy&qid=1707252377&sprefix=Eat+that+%2Caps%2C413&sr=8-1
I've had the opportunity to sit down and have a deep and enlightening conversation with Jennifer Lyman, a devoted dental hygienist with a heart for recognizing signs of sleep apnea in children. It was fascinating to hear about her journey and how her experiences have shaped her practice and fueled her passion for educating others about sleep apnea, a potentially fatal condition that we should all be aware of.
We also got to talk about the beneficial effects of myofunctional therapy in dealing with sleep apnea and other oral health issues. Jennifer shed light on the signs and symptoms we should look out for in both children and adults, along with the connections between sleep apnea and conditions like ADHD. She emphasized the criticality of referral to sleep centers and the potential hazards of ignoring what may seem as trivial as snoring.
Towards the end, we tackled the complexities surrounding medical billing in dental sleep medicine and explored the essentials needed to successfully implement oral appliance therapy or myofunctional therapy. Jennifer underlined the importance of a dedicated team and the value of continual coaching and training. We also discussed how to navigate insurance coverage and ensure a smooth billing process for patients. For those eager to learn more, Jennifer shared her contact information. After listening to this enriching conversation, I'm sure you'll appreciate the crucial role oral health plays in our overall well-being.
Connect with Ericka on LinkedIn:
www.linkedin.com/in/dentalbillingcoach
Email Ericka:
dentalbillingcoach@gmail.com
Join us for Dental Billing - Disrupted in Atlanta, GA on April 20th, 2024. For more information click the link below.
https://thedentalbillingcoach.com/
Ericka's recommendation for PPO Negotiations:
https://veritasdentalresources.com/
Want to know what your fee should be for D4346? Send Ericka an email to dentalbillingcoach@gmail.com
Link to buy Eat That Frog by Brian Tracy: (not an affiliate link)
https://www.amazon.com/Eat-That-Frog-Great-Procrastinating/dp/162656941X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1JV76U7XAHWEO&keywords=eat+that+frog+by+brian+tracy&qid=1707252377&sprefix=Eat+that+%2Caps%2C413&sr=8-1
Do you ever wonder about the intricacies of insurance claims and the importance of having proper documentation in dental practices? We bet our guest today, Dr. Roy Shelburne, can shine a light on that. A seasoned dentist, practice owner, and survivor of a healthcare fraud conviction, Dr. Shelburne's story is striking, a true eye-opener for other dental professionals, as he shares his experiences and the lessons he learned.
Dr. Shelburne passionately dives into the world of healthcare fraud, defensive documentation, and the consequences of insufficient documentation. He emphasizes that everyone in the dental team should take responsibility, reflecting that there's no such thing as an innocent mistake in healthcare documentation. Together, we explore the complicated relationship between dental practices and insurance companies, discussing how insurance benefits can influence the care provided by dentists. To prevent falling into pitfalls, we underline the importance of understanding these benefits, accurate documentation, and the use of templates and drop-down boxes to support claims.
Wrapping up this riveting conversation, we delve into the critical role of proper documentation in a dental practice for more than just ensuring payment. We also discuss how to utilize templates and flexible records to accurately reflect a patient's condition, and diagnosis, and how to navigate insurance company guidelines. This episode is brimming with valuable lessons from Dr. Shelburne, who now uses his experience to guide others in the industry. Don't miss it!
Got questions for Dr. Shelburne? Connect with him @ www.royshelburne.com
Connect with Ericka on LinkedIn:
www.linkedin.com/in/dentalbillingcoach
Email Ericka:
billingcoach@dentalbillingcollege.com
Join us in the lab: thedentalbillingcoach.com/frontofficelab
Get your ticket to our next live event with Dr. Roy Shelburne: thedentalbillingcoach.com
Would you like to schedule a FREE 30-minute consultation? Spots are limited to 4 per month. Email your request to:
admin@dentalbillingcollege.com
Do you ever find scrubs irresistible? Kiera did, and her love for scrubs steered her into a fascinating journey through the dental industry. Today, she takes us through her evolution from a dental assistant in Utah, all the way to owning her own practice and establishing the Dental A Team. This company is Kiera's brainchild, dedicated to aiding dental offices with practice management.
Kiera's journey is an inspiring one, and it isn't just about her story. She's also here to educate us on the critical role of billing in dental practice management. She gives us a comprehensive rundown on understanding the revenue cycle, ensuring clean claims, and the significance of everyone on the team comprehending their role in the process. But hold on, we're not done yet. Kirra shares golden tips on maximizing revenue and minimizing loss in the tricky world of dental practice.
Finally, we wander into the realm of patient experience. Kiera draws on lessons from giants like Nordstrom, Disney, and Starbucks, putting the spotlight on the amazing impact of small changes on the overall patient experience. Get ready to absorb strategies on infusing the patient experience into practice - the role of the front office, the importance of intentionality, and much more. From billing to patient experience, this episode is a treasure trove of insights, tips, and strategies for anyone in the dental industry. Tune in, listen up, and let Kiera guide you through the intricacies of dentistry!
Connect with Kiera: thedentalateam.com
Connect with Ericka on LinkedIn:
www.linkedin.com/in/dentalbillingcoach
Email Ericka:
billingcoach@dentalbillingcollege.com
Join us in the lab: thedentalbillingcoach.com/frontofficelab
Get your ticket to our next live event with Dr. Roy Shelburne: thedentalbillingcoach.com
Would you like to schedule a FREE 30-minute consultation? Spots are limited to 4 per month. Email your request to:
admin@dentalbillingcollege.com
Ever wondered why so many dental claims get denied and overlooked? This episode takes you behind the scenes of dental billing and claim appeals with Morgan, popularly known as Front Office Friend, who brings an impressive 11 years of experience in the dental field to the table. Morgan's lifelong love for dentistry drives this insightful discussion as we dive into the state of the dental industry, including a startling study that reveals only 33% of all denied claims are ever appealed.
Running a dental practice isn't all about the teeth, as Morgan showcases in our enlightening chat. Her valuable advice on managing insurance aging reports and establishing robust systems within dental practices is sure to make your operation run smoother. Highlighting the importance of financial policy discussions with patients prior to treatment, Morgan emphasizes how this simple yet significant step can prevent misunderstandings and streamline the process.
The conversation doesn't stop there, as we delve into her inspirational journey of authoring The Front Office Handbook. Inspired by her personal need for lists and checklists, Morgan provides insights into the importance of staying updated with the latest trends and technology in the field. Finally, we examine Morgan's vibrant presence on social media where she continues to enrich the dental community with her insights. Tune in to gain a wealth of knowledge from this seasoned professional in the dental field.
Connect with Morgan: frontofficefriend.com
Connect with Ericka on LinkedIn:
www.linkedin.com/in/dentalbillingcoach
Email Ericka:
billingcoach@dentalbillingcollege.com
Join us in the lab: thedentalbillingcoach.com/frontofficelab
Get your ticket to our next live event with Dr. Roy Shelburne: thedentalbillingcoach.com
Would you like to schedule a FREE 30-minute consultation? Spots are limited to 4 per month. Email your request to:
admin@dentalbillingcollege.com
Get ready to demystify the labyrinth of dental billing changes coming in 2024! You'll gain invaluable insights into the American Dental Association's new service category, Sleep, and how this addition increases the dental categories to a total of 13. We'll break down how these extra codes can lead to more precise interactions with providers and patients, and why this doesn't automatically mean insurance payouts will increase.
Then, we'll pivot to understanding the intricacies of the 2024 claim form, shedding light on the new boxes and their role in speeding up the claim process. You'll understand why it's crucial to get your practice management software updated with the 2024 claim form. We'll delve into new additions such as Box 3A and 11A, which require payer IDs, and Box 39A, which demands the last date of scaling and root planning. We'll also unravel the complex concept of locum tenens, and the introduction of the new Box 53A to identify temporary providers. So, tune in and arm yourself with the knowledge to navigate these changes smoothly!
Connect with Ericka on LinkedIn:
www.linkedin.com/in/dentalbillingcoach
Email Ericka:
billingcoach@dentalbillingcollege.com
Join us in the lab: thedentalbillingcoach.com/frontofficelab
Would you like to schedule a FREE 30-minute consultation? Spots are limited to 4 per month. Email your request to:
admin@dentalbillingcollege.com
Are you ready to navigate the world of dentistry with no background whatsoever? Imagine learning everything from dental administration ABCs to a PhD level understanding in just six months. Welcome to the Front Office Lab, our unique dental front office training program where we equip you with a wealth of resources, assignments, and in-depth trainings. In this journey, you'll not just master the administrative ropes, but also uncover the significance of marketing and advertising in a dental practice.
The second part of our discourse illuminates the wide career horizons that the Front Office Lab program opens up. From being a dental practice office manager to a treatment coordinator, the opportunities are numerous. We delve into the qualifications each role demands and introduce you to the concept of 'perfect day scheduling'. Furthermore, we share the importance of dreaming big and creating a five-year plan. We wrap up by honoring the dental heroes and mentors who have enriched my career, and sharing the inspiring journey of turning a no-patient practice into a successful venture. We emphasize the role of family support during a career transition and give you a walkthrough of our student center orientation and Front Office Lab program syllabus. Embark on this exciting journey with us.
Connect with Ericka on LinkedIn:
www.linkedin.com/in/dentalbillingcoach
Email Ericka:
billingcoach@dentalbillingcollege.com
Join us in the lab: thedentalbillingcoach.com/frontofficelab
Would you like to schedule a FREE 30-minute consultation? Spots are limited to 4 per month. Email your request to:
admin@dentalbillingcollege.com
What if you could unlock the secrets to mastering dental billing and ensuring HIPAA compliance in your practice? Join us as we chat with Ericka, a dental industry expert with over 25 years of experience, who shares her unique insights and invaluable knowledge on the subject.
From her humble beginnings as a dental assistant to acting owner for eight different practices, Ericka's journey has led her to become a true dental billing authority. In this episode, we explore the complexities of dental audits, HIPAA compliance, the significance of the anti-kickback statute, and the crucial role of a compliance officer in a dental practice. Learn how to protect your practice and navigate dental insurance regulations with confidence and ease.
Dive into Ericka's wealth of knowledge, as we cover topics such as the importance of privacy policies, team training, and breach protocols. Ericka also shares insights from her upcoming book 'I am Just the Biller', making this episode an unmissable listen for any dental professional looking to stay ahead of the game and ensure their practice remains compliant and successful.
Connect with Ericka on LinkedIn:
www.linkedin.com/in/dentalbillingcoach
Email Ericka:
billingcoach@dentalbillingcollege.com
Would you like to schedule a FREE 30-minute consultation? Spots are limited to 4 per month. Email your request to:
admin@dentalbillingcollege.com
Growing up as a daddy's girl, Martell Coke faced incredible obstacles, from a family of 10 siblings to surviving a tough childhood without amenities such as toothbrushes or clean drinking water. But through determination and a fierce passion for education, she defied the odds and became an accomplished dental hygienist. Join me in this powerful episode as we uncover Martell's extraordinary journey and the lessons we can all learn from her resilience.
Martell and I dive into her backstory, exploring her experiences in two vastly different school systems and how they shaped her view of her own intelligence. We discuss the challenges she faced in pursuing her dreams and the financial obstacles that threatened to derail her success. As we delve further into her story, we uncover the realities of starting a nonprofit, Brown Girl RDH and building a thriving dental practice.
In this inspiring conversation, Martell shares valuable insights on navigating patient balances, working with insurance companies, and understanding the financial side of running a successful dental practice. We also tackle the importance of authenticity and overcoming imposter syndrome. Don't miss this captivating episode as we celebrate the power of determination in the face of adversity and the impact of Martell's mission to empower other hygienists to be the best version of themselves.
As a Dental Billing Coach, I often have the pleasure of meeting other dental coaches who focus on the billing department. I love to discuss the challenges they see with the revenue cycle and how they address them. Some of the coaches I have met with, have extensive backgrounds in dentistry and recently took the leap into "dentalprenuer-ship".
This is the case with today's guest, Mel Berg. She has quite the experience in dental billing and has recently set up her coaching business. Make no mistake, this woman knows her stuff!
Listen to Mel and I have a casual yet informative conversation around dental billing do's and don'ts.
To connect with Mel, follow her on Instagram:
@detaileddentalsolutions
Got questions?
Email me: billingcoach@dentalbillingcollege.com
Call or text me: 714-477-0991
Follow me on Instagram:
@dental_billing_coach
Want more information about learning dental billing?
www.thedentalbillingcoach.com/thedentallab
Check out our sponsor's website and take advantage of their offer of 2 FREE zirconia crowns:
www.ymdentallaboratory.com
In this week's episode, Ericka has a conversation with Dr. Joshua Golden D.D.S. about his perspective on dental billing challenges in his practice. Dr. Golden has a beautiful practice in Sunrise, Florida called West Sunrise Dentistry. He takes pride in providing his patients with top-level dentistry. Insurance reimbursements are simply not cutting it when it comes to covering the costs of goods which leads to many frustrations for a Dentist and practice owner.
As billers, our job is to maximize every penny owed to the practice. Doctors appreciate these efforts as the dental insurance landscape continues to evolve less and less in the doctor's favor.
We hope you enjoy this conversation between Ericka and Dr. Golden! Please feel free to tell us any questions you have by sending us an email.
Follow Dr. Golden on IG:
@thegoldendentist
Got questions about this episode?
Email: admin@dentalbillingcollege.com
Call or Text: 714-477-0991 - Yes, a real person will respond!
Instagram: dental_billing_coach
Like always, we appreciate you!
Do you prepare for your patient's appointments with a chart prep checklist? What about using a routing slip?
In this episode, Ericka talks about the use of a routing slip and how you can create ease of flow by leveling up your chart preparation process. Want a copy of the routing slip that Ericka uses with her clients? Head over to our website and grab your copy there!
www.hiddendentalprofit.com
We hope that you enjoy this shorty episode!
With gratitude,
The Dental Billing College
Part 2 of day 1 inside the lab!
In this episode, Ericka continues to walk her students through the dental coding guide.
Did you know that dentistry is divided into 12 categories of service? It is! As a dental biller, it is important to understand how to navigate through each category when you are looking for a code. This becomes even more important when you are learning to understand insurance categories of benefits.
Listen in as the class wraps up on day 1 in the lab!
Want to join the lab? It's never too late! Click the link below to gain access! The next sesh is on 2/28/23. Will we see you there?
https://thedentalbillingcoach.com/thedentallab
Got questions?
Email: admin@dentalbillingcollege.com
See you in the lab!
Have you ever wanted to learn dental billing?
In this week's episode, we share our first session in our new group coaching program The Dental Billing Lab. This group training is designed for individuals with little to no experience in dental billing.
It's not too late to join!
Click on this link to join today!
https://thedentalbillingcoach.com/thedentallab
Got questions?
Email Ericka: admin@dentalbillingcollege.com
See you in this episode, friends!!!
With gratitude,
The Dental Billing Team
In this quick episode, Ericka talks about the differenc between D0150 vs. D0180 and why most offices are not utilizing D0180. She also get's into D4355 and the appropriate code to use in that situation.
We hope you enjoy this shorty episode!
Email Ericka: admin@dentalbillingcollege.com
Have you ever taken a moment to examine how you are managing the dental revenue cycle? In this episode, Ericka examines the dental revenue cycle and shares the areas she sees teams struggle to manage. From scheduling to closing the claim and everything in between, you're going to want to take notes for this one!
Got questions for Ericka?
Email: admin@dentalbillingcollege.com
Instagram: @dental_billing_coach (Ericka's favorite social media platform-BTW!)
TikTok: @dental_billing_coach
Facebook: Dental Billing Coach
Text or call: 714-477-0991
Interested in learning more about The Dental Billing Lab?
https://thedentalbillingcoach.com/thedentallab
We hope you've enjoyed this episode and as always see you in the next episode!
Do you know what Locum Tenens is and how it applies to us as billers? This is when we hire a temporary doctor to cover the practice for a few days or weeks. Maybe our owner is going on vacation or had an emergency and needs time off but we do not want to stop production. Don't do what most offices do and bill with the owner as the treating dentist in box #53 on the claim form! That is bonafide FRAUD!
In this week's episode, Ericka talks about Locum Tenens and what you need to know about it when we need to know about it from a billing standpoint. Be sure to take notes because this is a short yet powerful episode. Enjoy!
Link to ADA article Ericka used to create this episode:
https://www.ada.org/-/media/project/ada-organization/ada/ada-org/files/resources/practice/dental-insurance/assuring_accuracy_of_claims_as_a_treating_dentist_93h_final_05132022.pdf?rev=87fe721d470c4ec2a961a50350df5901&hash=75F89E1349B3257B63E617574F0275E9
Got questions?
Email: admin@dentalbillingcollege.com
TEXT: 714-477-0991
Follow Ericka on Instagram for more billing tips!
@dental_billing_coach
This is a recording of a live virtual workshop we hosted last week on the topic of "Messy A/R Clean-Up". We had a blast with the audience and since we had an overwhelming response to do a replay-we thought we would put the recording up for everyone to hear!
For questions email:
admin@dentalbillingcollege.com
Enjoy!
The power of ICD-10 codes used with CDT codes is what Ericka covers in this week's episode. She talks about how she recently saw an EOB that rejected a claim for fillings because the insurance payor wanted appropriate ICD-10 codes on the claim form.
Listen in as Ericka breaks down why every office should be incorporating diagnosis codes into their billing departments.
With gratitude,
The Dental Billing College Team
Follow us on Instagram: @dental_billing_coach
Email questions: admin@dentalbillingcollege.com
Have you ever heard the term "Self-Funded"? What exactly is a self-funded plan? What about a fully insured plan? Why do I need to know this?
In this episode, Ericka talks about the difference between the two plans and how it affects how we start the appeal process. The Office of the Insurance Commissioner is not always the correct entity or governing body!
This episode is a recorded training with a dental team. Listen in and let us know what questions you have.
Don't forget to go to our YouTube channel to see the videos for our episodes.
YouTube: Dental Billing Coach
Instagram: @dental_billing_coach
Facebook: Dental Billing Coach
Email us @: admin@dentalbillingcollege.com
If you enjoyed the information shared in this podcast we would love it if you would leave us a review or give us a rating! It helps us reach more billers like you!
With TONS of gratitude-
The Dental Billing College Team
Did you know that there are many different types of dental insurance audits? The most common type of audit is a compliance audit. This type of audit is designed to ensure that dental practices are not violating contract agreements such as balance billing, co-payments, coding, and much more which Ericka talks about in this solo episode.
Let us know what you think!
With gratitude,
Dental Billing College
In this week's episode, Ericka talks about how important it is to explain your patient's dental benefits. Our patients do not understand how their plans work and we need to do a better job at explaining how we calculate their co-payments. Listen in as Ericka shares how she used to explain plan benefits to her patients when she was a Treatment Coordinator.
Higher case acceptance starts with helping your patients understand their dental benefits as it builds trust through transparency.
We hope you enjoy this episode!
To speak with Ericka:
admin@dentalbillingcollege.com
Follow on IG:
@dental_billing_coach
Leave us a rating and let us know if you are enjoying the free content we put together for you every week!
With TONS of gratitude-
Dental Billing College
Calculating patient co-payments can be tricky if you don't understand the formulas. The 3 basic formulas are deductible, downgrades, and downgrades with deductibles. In this episode listen in as Ericka walks you through how to calculate a patient's co-payment.
You will want to have a calculator handy as this was a live training she did via zoom. If you would like to watch the video go to the link in her Instagram bio where she has a PowerPoint for the training.
Interested in joining us at one of our upcoming events? Click the link below! We would be thrilled to meet you!
https://dentalbillingcollege.com/workshops/
As always we hope you enjoy this episode!
The Dental Billing College Team
Today's episode is filled with so many start-up gems! Ericka has the pleasure of speaking with Maritza Duran of M-Dent Consulting Services. Maritza is the go-to expert for dental practice start-ups and has worked with clients all over the country.
To get the free e-book or contact Maritza go to:
www.mdentcs.com
We hope you enjoy this episode!
To get in touch with Ericka:
billingcoach@dentalbillingcollege.com
Cheers!!
The Dental Billing College Team
In this episode, our host, Ericka Aguilar, talks about how she stumbled onto creating this episode as a result of researching dental billing audits. Her plan was to discuss the many different types of audits a dental practice may encounter and how the audits are triggered (stay tuned for this episode). Instead, she started thinking about how an office can benefit from the 6 part framework she and her team use to help start-up offices build out their billing departments in order to avoid many of the billing errors and pitfalls most offices face.
If you are starting a practice then you are going to want to listen in!
We also suggest that you listen to Ericka's interview with Ben Tuinei- "How to Charge for Upgrades" as another resource.
Link to "Billing Department Framework" here:
https://hiddendentalprofit.thinkific.com/courses/billing-department-framework
Join us in our private Facebook Group: Hidden Dental Profit
Have questions for Ericka? Email her @:
admin@dentalbillingcollege.com
Don't forget to follow on IG @dental_billing_coach
See you in the next episode!
With gratitude,
The Dental Billing College Team
Have you ever wanted to learn more than just the basics of dental billing? We just wrapped up our first dental billing challenge and our students received more than they expected-FOR SURE!
In this week's episode host, Ericka Aguilar is diving deep into day one of the 10-day dental billing challenge. She covers what it takes to be a Mester Dental Biller and tons of foundational information that is typically looked over in on-the-job training.
If you want to learn more about how you can take the challenge go to:
https://hiddendentalprofit.thinkific.com/courses/10-day-dental-billing-challenge
To get in touch with Ericka or schedule a discovery call:
admin@dentalbillingcollege.com
Join us in our Facebook group:
Hidden Dental Profit
We look forward to seeing you in the next episode friends!
With gratitude,
The Dental Billing College Team
Listen in as our Host, Ericka Aguilar talks about the many ways she coaches individuals in the dental billing arena. Whether you are an aspiring dental biller, an experienced dental biller, or a dentist looking for billing department feedback, Ericka and her team will put their strategic brains on your challenge to achieve your goals.
Keep the conversation going in our private Facebook group, Hidden Dental Profit.
Have a question for Ericka? Send her a message on IG or email her @:
billingcoach@hiddendentalprofit.com
If you enjoyed this episode please leave a review and let us know how we can continue to provide dental billing information for you!
With tons of gratitude-
The Dental Billing Coach Team
Did you know that we now have a day for dental biller's? Yesterday, July 20th 2022 was the first EVER National Dental Biller's Appreciation Day! In honor of this day our host, Ericka Aguilar, is sharing a strategy she has taught her students for over a decade. She calls it the "Rule of 3". This strategy helps her students breakdown to billing process. If you are a dental biller or new to dental billing, this episode is for you!!
SIDE NOTE:
We are also hosting our first dental billing challenge. Our team is super excited about putting this challenge together for all of you and we hope to see you there.
To register for the challenge starting July 25th, 2022 click the link below:
https://dentalbillingcollege.com/dental-billers-day-challenge/
Got questions for our fearless leader, Ericka Aguilar? Go to her Instagram @dental_billing_coach.
As always-we hope you enjoy this episode!
Cheers!
The Dental Billing Coach Team
Elaine has 20 years of dental experience, with special emphasis on clinical laser applications, risk and disease management, and business-leadership workshops for dentists and dental hygienists. Elaine is multi-trained for surgery and hygiene and holds multiple fellowships for all types of lasers, including Waterlase Erbium, Deka CO2 & All Diodes. In addition to her role as a clinician, Elaine is an established global laser educator, published author, and clinical consultant for practices nationwide. Outside of work, Elaine enjoys spending time with her daughter, family, and friends hiking around their Arizona home.
Side note:
As most of you know, Ericka has a dental management company that has a few offices under its belt. She recently purchased a dental laser for the full-time hygienist in the Carson, California office (Shout out to Alex! This training was a game-changer! As a management company, we thought we knew enough to improve hygiene performance. Friends! We could not have been further from that truth! Elaine taught us so much about speaking to the patient about the disease and not the laser in order to increase case acceptance. As a result, we are selling the laser to almost every patient that comes through our doors.
If you would like to have a conversation with Elaine here is the link to her website:
https://www.dentalhygieneculture.com/
If you would like to speak with Ericka please go to her Instagram page:
dental_billing_coach
We are positive you are going to love this episode if you are a fellow dental geek like Elaine and Ericka!
Cheers!
The Dental Billing Coach Team
Have you ever wondered what it takes to start your own remote dental billing company? That's exactly what Valerie Trujillo did during the pandemic! She ditched the job and started her own company. She started with 2 clients and a year and a half later- she now has 15 clients with multiple locations. She also went from no team to a team of 6 in that time.
Valerie shares the ups and downs she went through and what her secret was to get where she is today. Most people take years to accomplish this kind of success and today she shares her path with us.
If you would like to get in touch with Valerie or take her up on her offer to visit her in her Miami office here are the links:
www.dbexperts.com
https://www.facebook.com/dbillingexperts/
https://www.instagram.com/dbexperts/
We hope you enjoy this episode!
In this week's episode, Ericka speaks with Ben Tuinaei of Veritas Dental Resources about the controversial topic of charging for upgrades and lab fees while staying compliant with PPO contracts. Ben is considered the Authority on PPO strategies and has worked with over 7000 dentists across the nation. He has also influenced over 3 billion dollars in newly negotiated revenue for his clients.
We hope that you enjoy this week's episode!
To stay in touch with Ben:
www.veritasdentalresources.com
Facebook: Benjamin Tuinei
For questions or requests:
admin@hiddendentalprofit.com
In this episode host, Ericka interviews Quiana Craig. Quianna and Ericka discuss the differences and similarities between dental and medical billing. Quianna has 23 years on the business side of healthcare and now owns a successful 6-figure home-based business for the last 10 years. She created "Ask the Biller" as a way to show aspiring billers how to use their billing skillset and create a profitable home-based business.
We hope you enjoy this episode!
To keep in touch with Quiana:
www.justaskthebiller.com
IG: @askthe biller
Go follow Quianna to learn more about medical billing!
In this weeks episode we take a break from coding and billing and talk about work life balance. My guest today is Alycia Dukes. Alycia is a resource advocate for dental team members. She calls herself a Change Agent. This along with her passion empowering and advocating for dental team members to help them navigate everyday good and bad life experiences. She shares a very emotional experience and what her why is behind wanting to equip dental team members in the following areas: family, fitness (mental and physical), and finances. All while staying within your budget. If you are looking for a new friend in Dentistry, look her up! She would love to connect!
To connect with Alycia:
Email: alycia@managerwithmission.com
Phone: 502-315-9927
All social media platforms @managerwithmission
Website: managerwithmission.com
Have you ever tried to clean-up a billing department's insurance account receivable report and have little to no success? What performance percentages are you analyzing?
The strategies I use are: analyze, strategize, and execute. Of course, my team and I have a ton of work in between!
Listen in on a live training about the clean claim process. This is part 6 of the free 7 part series.
The clean claim process is more than simply submitting a claim! Did you know that this starts with making an appointment? This is a huge part of the dental claim revenue cycle.
This episode is a recording of the live training hosted via zoom. It is a 7 part series on the clean claim process. In this episode we will talk about appointments, codes, obtaining insurance information, verification of benefits, attachments and Q& A.
Listen in as Ericka shares an introduction to dental insurance categories. This is a short, fun-size training! You may also see the video on Instagram. Follow @dental_billing_coach.
Link to episode mentioned:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1783772/episodes/10044809-5-strategies-to-learn-dental-billing#
Receive a copy of the handout mentioned in this episode by emailing:
admin@hiddendentalprofit.com
In this episode Ericka speaks about some of the things that most dental billers over-look when managing a billing department. She also states that this episode may ruffle some feathers but she is OK with that. Some of the areas she discusses:
- Just because your claims get paid does not mean it was billed correctly.
- Having multiple years of experience does not mean you know better.
- Collections percentage does not mean your billing department is doing well.
- Look beyond the numbers on your insurance A/R report.
- What does your insurance profile really look like and what needs to be addressed?
We are also excited to announce that we will be hosting our annual The Ultimate Dental Billing Conference at the Disneyland Hotel on Friday, June 3rd 2022! Stay tuned for more information soon!
Links mentioned in this episode:
https://linktr.ee/dental_billing_coach
Have you ever searched for a dental front office school? Did you find one?
Chances are even if you did there is no dental front office curriculum designed for individuals with no background in dentistry. Typically to work in the front you start in the back. In this episode Ericka talks about her journey and why behind creating the nations first dental front office certificate program. The curriculum was developed over an 18 month period in which she received input from dental celebrities' such as Fred Joyal of 1-800 Dentist, Howard Farran- CEO and Founder of DentalTown.com, Linda Miles, and dentists from all over the country.
Have you ever struggled with demystifying your insurance A/R? Then FRIEND! This is the episode for you! In this episode host, Ericka Aguilar talks about key performance indicators for insurance account receivable performance.
If you would like parts II & III along with the training downloads to this series, visit our website: www.hiddendentalprofit.com
Let's keep this conversation going in our private FB group where we discuss all things dental billing!
See you in the group, my friends!
Let's talk about your billing department. Do you know what your insurance account receivables performance looks like? I'm not talking about money owed in each column. I am talking about industry-standard benchmarks that you monitor on a weekly or sometimes daily basis. Listen in and learn how to measure your billing department performance in today's episode!
Interested in a FREE billing department analysis? Go to our website and schedule a session with Ericka to discover where you can improve your billing performance.
www.hiddendentalprofit.com
Let's connect on Instagram! @dental_billing_coach
Join our private Facebook group! Hidden Dental Profit
Setting up a billing department requires some serious thought. Most practice owners don't take time to think through all of the coding scenarios or worse-think about how to properly position their UCR FEES!
In this episode, host, Ericka Aguilar talks about 4 important steps every practice should think about when opening a practice or cleaning up a billing department.
Want to take the Dental Billing Department Performance questionnaire? Go to our website!
www.hiddendentalprofit.com
Then schedule a discovery call with Ericka to go over any areas of opportunity!
Have you ever wondered if a claim was denied or simply rejected? What about when to start an appeal? Or have you ever felt like there is so much to understand about dental billing? JOIN THE CLUB!
In this week's episode, Ericka talks about the difference between denials and rejections. She also talks about the difference between starting a self-funded denial and a fully insured denial.
Whether you are new to dentistry or have years of experience, listen in as Ericka breaks down some common misconceptions around these topics.
In today's episode host Ericka Aguilar talks about a very common question she is asked. "Is it against the law to waive co-payments and deductibles?". This question has been brought up in almost every dental coding and billing workshop she has held.
Listen in as Ericka shares what the American Dental Association has to say about this topic and hear about an office who is frustrated with the unfair competition practices from a dental practice in the same city and much more!
This is a short yet impactful episode so be sure to listen all the way through!
Check out our FREE private Facebook group to keep this conversation going or just to connect with other dental friends! Search for Hidden Dental Profit. Follow Ericka on Instagram for more tips and strategies around dental coding and billing @dental_billing_coach.
Let us know what you think by leaving a review or rating! This tells us that you really appreciate the FREE resource we put together for you.
See you in the group!!
In this episode Ericka talks about the Coordination of Benefits Regulations and provisions and how this affects primary vs. secondary insurance positions. She also shares 4 more rules that most dental billers are sometimes confused about.
Got questions? You can email Ericka at: billingcoach@hiddendentalprofit.com
To read all about Coordination of Benefits go here:
https://content.naic.org/sites/default/files/inline-files/MDL-120.pdf
On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate your overall billing department performance? Listen in as Ericka walks her listeners through a performance assessment.
Get the Billing Department Performance FULL Questionnaire here:
www.hiddendentalprofit.com
Join our private Facebook group to keep the conversation going around everything dental billing!
Search for: Hidden Dental Profit
See you in the group my friends!
Did you know that 80% of all dental practices will be a victim of embezzlement? In this episode, Ericka has a conversation with David Harris the CEO of Prosperident, the worlds largest dental embezzlement firm. David also talks about drug addiction in dentistry and why it is important to screen for drug usage, now more than ever. Be sure to listen to this episode to the very end as David shares his one key take away that ever practice owner and office manager need to understand.
If you want to work with David you may contact him by going to his website:
www.dentalembezzlement.com
Be sure to check out his "Wall of Shame" where you can find the stories of over 680 convicted embezzlers.
If you are looking for more billing support join our free Facebook group, Hidden Dental Profit, where we keep the conversations going around everything dental billing!
See you in the group my friends!
In this episode Ericka talks about a few tips that you can implement into your billing protocols. These tips are from a series of questions she is asked regularly by dental billers who want to know what they can do to improve their billing performance. She also shares a tip around what she does when she is asked to assist a client with a denied claim.
If you would like to email Ericka a billing question you may do so by sending it here:
billingcoach@hiddendentalprofit.com
Check out our FREE Facebook group where we keep the conversation going around everything dental billing! Search for Hidden Dental Profit and let us know what we can help you with!
Hey friends! It's me, Ericka. FULL DISCLOSURE: This episode is in need of a couple of edits but I left it alone. OK! Let's talk about the difference between a basic, better, or BEAST billing performance! What would you rate your billing departments performance on a scale of 1-10? Let us know! email: billingcoach@hiddendentalprofit.com
Join our private Facebook group! You can find us at Hidden Dental Profit. It's free and we share resources that you can use in your billing department.
Are you a self proclaimed dental GEEK like me? When I learn something new I like to know how it all began. Here is a short episode about how dental billing has evolved over the past 50 years! Enjoy!
This is a recording of a quick-guide training I did for our private Facebook community, Hidden Dental Profit. If you are interested in grabbing a copy of the meeting guide then head on over to our private Facebook community and we are happy to share this with you!