Jameson Blog
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Dr. John Jameson continues his journey through the 2010 Chicago Mid-Winter meeting, speaking with vendors of his favorite products.
Part TWO [ add comment ] ( 112 views ) | related link In the video blog below, Dr. John Jameson speaks with vendors of his favorite technological products at the 2010 Chicago Mid-Winter meeting. Part ONE [ add comment ] ( 110 views ) | related link Sharpening Tools By Nancy Miller, RDH, BA We have been hearing the question, “Which automatic sharpener is the most efficient yet cost effective for my hygienist?” We compared three instruments: The InstaRenew, the PerioStar and the Sidekick. Then we proposed this question to our Jameson Hygiene coaches and this is what they had to say. The InstaRenew and the PerioStar are larger machines - both about the size of half a shoebox. These two instruments are fastened into a holder and the machine goes around the tip and sharpens it. They work well as intended, however; they are not meant to be used chair-side, which is where most hygienists want it while they are root planning or scaling. The Sidekick is held in your hand and operated by batteries. This tool is quiet, simple and small-about the size of a deck of cards. The sharpening stone moves underneath a fixed guide. Hygienists relate to this tool because they are used to what is called the “moving stone” sharpening method they learn in school, which does not use a machine or a guide. If you’re looking to invest in a Sidekick, plan to budget approximately $350. When comparing these sharpening tools, three out of three hygienists preferred the Sidekick due to size and cost. [ add comment ] ( 145 views ) Revision of Periodontal Maintenance Policy By Beverly Hill, RDA, CBM United Healthcare has revised its periodontal maintenance policy and no longer limits payment for D4910 to within the first two years following active therapy. The revised policy is currently effective for all new, fully insured United Healthcare dental plans. Existing plans are being converted as their contracts come up for renewal. This should result in fewer D4910 denials for many United Healthcare members in 2010. According to Michael Weitzner, DMD, MS, Vice President of National Clinical Operations, United Healthcare’s standard D4910 policy language now reads: “Limited to two times per consecutive 12 months following active or adjunctive periodontal therapy, exclusive of gross debridement.” This means that United Healthcare’s fully insured plans will cover D4910 twice per 12 consecutive months (not twice per calendar year) following periodontal scaling and root planing (D4341 or D4342), osseous surgery (D4260/D4261), or a prior periodontal maintenance appointment (D4910). Also remember that self-funded dental plans are not required to adopt United Healthcare’s new standard policy for D4910. So, you may still encounter self-funded dental plans that still deny payment for D4910 when performed more than two years after active therapy. If this happens, the patient should understand that his/her employer has adopted an unusually restrictive policy in their dental plan that does not make sense from a clinical management point of view. [ add comment ] ( 154 views ) Interaction Points By Julie Hanson I developed a worksheet to use for the "Interaction Points" of a patient with a practice. This worksheet is to simulate the patient’s perception of your practice. This was developed specifically for a new patient, but could be used for existing patients as well. I used it in an office last week and it worked great. The worksheet brought up many areas of opportunity and allowed us to use problem solving and goal setting throughout the exercise. I simply asked the team about each interaction point, and then we would discuss what is working well and what needs work. Other ways you could complete the exercise would be to take the interaction point worksheet and put it into a table format, hand it out and let your team fill it in. This could be accomplished individually or in groups. Then hold a team meeting for discussion. There are two additional pages available. These two pages contain explanations of things that should be going on, sort of a baseline for that interaction point. If you are interested in these additional pages, please send your request to info@jamesonmanagement.com.  [ add comment ] ( 124 views ) |
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