Estela Vargas[email protected]Team ManagementHow to create a dentist-dental hygienist dynamic duoCreating 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, 2024InsuranceCoding for maintenance and repair of dental implantsCertain clinical situations present dilemmas for dentists and insurance coordinators. Coding expert Estela Vargas, CRDH, reviews which codes you should use and why.December 14, 2023Patient CommunicationGet comfortable firing troublesome patientsDentists 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, 2023InsuranceAppealing gingivectomy claims: Read the fine printMultiple 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, 2023InsuranceAvoiding insurance denials for crownsCoding expert Estela Vargas, CRDH, shares tips to get your crown claim paid the first time it’s submitted.July 6, 2023Dental HygieneThe dental hygienist’s role in recommending, applying, and billing SDFA new Current Procedural Terminology code for silver diamine fluoride (SDF) goes into effect July 1. Here's what you need to know.June 7, 2023InsuranceHow to correctly code an intentional coronectomyCoding 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, 2022InsuranceHow to code 3/4 crownsCode 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, 2022InsuranceHow to code implant- and abutment-supported crownsA 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, 2022InsuranceThe keys to coding crown lengthening and crown exposureDid you perform crown lengthening (D4249) or crown exposure (D4212) on a tooth? Often, there is confusion about which of these procedures is correct when it comes to coding treatment, and mixing them up could cost you and your practice.April 20, 2022Previous PagePage 4 of 5Next PageTop StoriesLegal IssuesMan arrested for allegedly threatening to bomb a DSO practiceA man was arrested for allegedly threatening to leave a pipe bomb at a dental service organization (DSO) practice.FluorideWhich U.S. states will pay the most without fluoridated water?Patient CommunicationTriple whammy: Why NSAIDs, ACE inhibitors, and diuretics don't mix in your dental chairRestorationsPolish with precision: A clinical perspective on Shofu’s OneGloss systemSponsor Content$4.4M/year... working only 2 days a week? Discover how.
