EP 143 Medical Billing for Dental Procedures: Your Newest RCM Tool
Nobody Told Me That! A Dental Podcast with Teresa Duncan
Release Date: 02/11/2025
Nobody Told Me That! A Dental Podcast with Teresa Duncan
More management and insurance knowledge in my newsletter: Lessons Patients Taught Me The Hard Way Some of the most powerful lessons in dentistry don’t come from textbooks or training, but from real-life patient encounters that test your patience, humility, and adaptability. In this episode, I reflect on situations where patients pushed me out of my comfort zone and forced me to grow in ways I didn’t expect. You’ll hear how these interactions shaped my approach to communication, accountability, and practice management. More importantly, you’ll discover why it’s okay...
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More management and insurance knowledge in my newsletter: Did you know a single ransomware attack can cost a dental office six figures or shut it down entirely? A small dental practice is an ideal target for a cyberattack easy to overlook, often underprotected, and rich with valuable patient data. Teresa Pichay (returning guest!) and Katie Fox from the California Dental Association joined me for a scary session. They shared how hackers use phishing emails, malware, and AI-powered scams to break into dental systems, steal information, and demand high ransoms. Many in dentistry assume...
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More management and insurance knowledge in my newsletter: Did you know 80% of dental claim denials can be overturned with the right strategy? I love meeting fellow insurance nerds! My time with Dr. Christie Bateman was packed full! She shared how to master PPOs, Medicare Advantage plans, and complex prior authorization rules while protecting your bottom line. Dr. Christie breaks down the exact methods she uses to reverse denials, clear documentation, targeted patient photos, and short, persuasive appeals that insurance carriers can’t ignore. Get the inside scoop on Liberty Medicare...
info_outlineNobody Told Me That! A Dental Podcast with Teresa Duncan
More management and insurance knowledge in my newsletter: Modern office managers lead through clarity, culture, and connection not control. My longtime friend and colleague Lorie Streeter joins me for a frank conversation about the lessons we've learned over the years. Micromanagement is everywhere, and dental teams are evolving whether leaders are ready or not. The shift from task-checking to true team empowerment is reshaping how successful practices run. We share stories of real managers navigating burnout, toxic dynamics, and panic hiring with surprising clarity. ...
info_outlineNobody Told Me That! A Dental Podcast with Teresa Duncan
More management and insurance knowledge in my newsletter: Is the secret to more dental case acceptance hiding in plain sight right inside your own team? If you’ve ever wondered why some patients freeze at the mention of treatment costs, or how to handle those moments when someone starts Googling your every word from the chair, you’re not alone. In this episode, Teresa talks with Angela Sullivan of Adaptive Dental Solutions about effectively helping teams boost treatment acceptance without feeling like a pushy salesperson. Angela shares stories and lessons straight from the...
info_outlineNobody Told Me That! A Dental Podcast with Teresa Duncan
More management and insurance knowledge in my newsletter: What if your child’s speech or chewing could give you clues about hidden developmental delays? Did you know that your child’s visit to the dentist could hold hidden insights into their overall development? Join host Teresa Duncan and guest Ann-Marie DePalma as they unravel the fascinating connections between a child’s oral health and early signs of developmental delays—including conditions like autism. Discover why dental professionals might be the first to spot clues, from speech impediments to tongue ties, and...
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More management and insurance knowledge in my newsletter: Imagine a dental world where patient data flows as freely as it does in medicine—no more wasted time, lost information, or clunky workarounds. Vyne’s CEO Steve Roberts sits down with me to discuss why the dental industry is ready for transformational change and what that means for claims processing, practice efficiency, and ultimately, better care for your patients. I shared my frustration at the unfairness of ptient data being gatekept just for profit. It could be happening to you - it just seems normal. But it’s not...
info_outlineNobody Told Me That! A Dental Podcast with Teresa Duncan
More management and insurance knowledge in my newsletter: Are you a dentist feeling overwhelmed, burned out, or just stuck in survival mode? What if the real issue isn’t your clinical skills, but how you’re managing your time, your stress, and your practice? Mark Davis built and ran 16 dental practices over the course of his career — and now he’s sharing what most dentists never figure out until it’s too late. The pressure to stay on schedule, the chaos of last-minute emergencies, the constant tension with staff… it’s not just part of the job. It’s a signal that something’s...
info_outlineNobody Told Me That! A Dental Podcast with Teresa Duncan
More management and insurance knowledge in my newsletter: She started charging just $40 a month—now she runs a business that hit 7 figures. In this episode, Amanda DeMoura shares how her small side hustle evolved into a thriving dental business, what it really took behind the scenes, and the unexpected turns that shaped her success. In this episode, we talk about her journey from the ground up, navigating remote work and entrepreneurship, and what happens when growth forces you to make big, uncomfortable decisions. If you're in the dental industry, healthcare admin, or just curious...
info_outlineNobody Told Me That! A Dental Podcast with Teresa Duncan
More management and insurance knowledge in my newsletter: A stroke stole his manual skills—could it end his career? In this episode, Dr. Gregory Wu opens up about the life-altering moment a stroke derailed his clinical career and how it made him a better businessman and leader. At the peak of his practice, Greg faced a sudden medical crisis that left him unable to perform dentistry—a devastating blow to any clinician. He shares what it felt like to lose not just motor function, but his professional identity. They dive into the emotional impact, the grieving process, and the harsh...
info_outlineMore management and insurance knowledge in my newsletter: https://www.odysseymgmt.com/newsletter
Leslie Icenogle, CPC, a leading medical-dental billing expert, shared her strategies to maximize your dental revenue through proper medical coding. From documenting procedures correctly to navigating Medicare's maze, she breaks it down for me. She also shared how a chance encounter at a post office led to significant patient benefits - it’s a great story! It demonstrates how proper medical billing can dramatically impact patients. Most importantly, she revealed why many dental offices are leaving money on the table by not exploring medical billing options. You know I perked up about that topic!
FROM LESLIE, A CLARIFICATION ON ONE POINT:
Medicare Part B, DME-covered appliances (with an actual sleep apnea diagnosis, MD referral, an appliance that meets their criteria, etc.):
- Non-participating DMEPOS suppliers can accept assignment on a case-by-case basis: If you do NOT accept assignment: There is a Medicare stipulation for DME providers only, which says if you are enrolled as a non-participating DME provider and assign benefits to the patient, you may collect your fees in full from the patient. In this case, and this case only, you are not limited to the Medicare allowable.
- If you DO accept assignment: Medicare will pay 95% of the limiting fee, and you can collect/charge up to 15% above that fee. (Take the limiting fee (say $3,000) times 95% ($2,850), then times 115% ($3,277.50). In this example, you would charge the patient $3,277.50 and no more—since you accepted the assignment on this case.) The EOMB would tell you that (what the deductible and co-insurance amount is)--as I am sure you know.
Participating suppliers that accept assignment are limited to Medicare's approved amount for that appliance.
Connect with Leslie
Dental Classroom Online: https://www.dentalclassroomonline.com/
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I created Dental Revenue Network to foster collaboration and networking amongst RCM professionals. Billing company owners and billing professionals will have access to skill building sessions, current carrier news and insurance discussions beyond “what's the code?" Check it out - I hope you'll join! https://dentalrevenuenetwork.mn.co/
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