Estela Vargas

Legal Issues
The dangers for dentists of avoiding a signed informed consent
Dental professionals should respect patients' autonomy and freedom to make decisions about their health by giving them as much information as possible and the opportunity to comprehend the proposed services, writes Estela Vargas, CRDH.
January 16, 2024
Estela Vargas, CRDH.
Team Management
How to create a dentist-dental hygienist dynamic duo
Creating a dynamic duo comprising a dentist and dental hygienist involves the work and commitment of both parties. A collaboration between the dentist(s) and hygienist(s) must be developed before they can diagnose as a team, writes Estela Vargas, CRDH.
January 9, 2024
Estela Vargas, CRDH.
Insurance
Coding for maintenance and repair of dental implants
Certain clinical situations present dilemmas for dentists and insurance coordinators. Coding expert Estela Vargas, CRDH, reviews which codes you should use and why.
December 14, 2023
Estela Vargas, CRDH.
Patient Communication
Get comfortable firing troublesome patients
Dentists have the right to dismiss a patient when differences can’t be resolved or the patient’s behavior is unacceptable. Estela Vargas, CRDH, outlines how to fire a difficult patient.
December 7, 2023
Estela Vargas, CRDH.
Insurance
Appealing gingivectomy claims: Read the fine print
Multiple factors affect whether insurers will approve your gingivectomy claim, writes dental coding expert Estela Vargas, CRDH. Follow these tips with insurers and patients when performing these services.
November 16, 2023
Estela Vargas, CRDH.
Insurance
Avoiding insurance denials for crowns
Coding expert Estela Vargas, CRDH, shares tips to get your crown claim paid the first time it’s submitted.
July 6, 2023
Coding Billing Woman
Dental Hygiene
The dental hygienist’s role in recommending, applying, and billing SDF
A new Current Procedural Terminology code for silver diamine fluoride (SDF) goes into effect July 1. Here's what you need to know.
June 7, 2023
Estela Vargas.
Insurance
How to correctly code an intentional coronectomy
Coding for a coronectomy can confuse dentists and insurance coordinators and lead to claim denials. Though the code for an intentional partial tooth removal has been in the Code on Dental Procedures and Nomenclature code set for a decade, it often isn't used correctly. In this column, Estela Vargas shares how to get it right.
September 13, 2022
2022 04 08 16 47 4860 2022 04 08 Vargas Estela 400
Insurance
How to code 3/4 crowns
Code what you do is the rule. But first, you must know whether what you think you are coding is actually what was performed on the patient, particularly when it comes to inlays, onlays, and three-quarter crowns. Coding expert Estela Vargas shares eight tips to help increase your chances of getting paid.
June 21, 2022
2022 04 08 16 47 4860 2022 04 08 Vargas Estela 400
Insurance
How to code implant- and abutment-supported crowns
A standard Code on Dental Procedures and Nomenclature coding error is documenting and reporting implant- and abutment-supported crowns, writes coding expert Estela Vargas. Vargas explains the difference between these two types of crowns and shares why knowing the distinction is essential to avoiding denials and claim payment delays.
May 11, 2022
2022 04 08 16 47 4860 2022 04 08 Vargas Estela 400
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Top Stories
Gavel Judge
Legal Issues
Troubled dentist enters plea in fatal hit-and-run case
A dentist, who is also accused of participating in a drug deal near his dental office, entered a plea in relation to a 2023 fatal hit-and-run case.
Gingival Recession Kasama
Dental Hygiene
Osteoporosis drug may help treat gum dehiscence
Oral Surgeon Patient Seventyfour
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
Is your digital presence making or breaking you with TMD patients?
Bruce Bryen, CPA, CVA.
Team Management
Retirement plan discrimination tests and postponing dental retirement
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