Jameson Blog
|
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 ) Nitrous Oxide Consent Forms By Nancy Dukes, BA, RDH, CBM Are you currently using a separate Consent Form for Nitrous Oxide for each patient and each appointment? Are your patients filling out the general Consent Form and a very specific Nitrous Oxide Use Consent Form when appropriate? In discussion of comprehensive legal documentation with practices, often the issue of consents is raised. I would like some thoughts on this subject, as it has been my understanding that doctors should of course use any consent forms required by their states but also have separate consent forms for major procedures such as endo, crown and bridge and ESPECIALLY elective procedures such as cosmetic dentistry. At times Jameson coaches have shared with some of our clients a general consent form they may use but we advise that special consent forms should be drawn up by the doctor and his legal counsel and/or use ADA provided forms. Most importantly, refer to your own state’s bylaws to make certain your and your practice are always in compliance according to the state board. [ add comment ] ( 155 views ) Complaints of High Fees by Cathy Jameson We are hearing more and more doctors express frustration and concern about patient’s complaints about fees. In fact, as a company we did not recommend fee increases last year to most of our clients. If they wanted to implement a fee increase, we supported that, but did not initiate the recommendation. (We usually recommend a soft increase every year, in coordination with the increased cost of living). First of all, with this patient that expresses difficulty or gets upset with your fees, I would recommend that you try to get the patient on the phone or send them a letter telling them that you appreciate their concern and want to speak with them in person to work things out. Tell them that you have appreciated them as a patient and want them to continue to be a part of your patient family. Then express how much you would like to have that conversation face to face rather than on e-mail. As you know, e-mail or regular mail, are the worst ways to communicate because you do not have any interaction of body language or tone of voice. These two factors account for 90% of the perception of the message. Thus, so much can be misinterpreted with the written word. I wholeheartedly encourage you to make a personal call to this patient and ask her to join you for a conversation for the purpose of hearing her concerns and working out the situation. What you may want to do is offer her complimentary dental cleanings and evaluations for a family member for the next year, if they proceed with treatment (or for the whole family or something like that). In fact, you may want to use that concept as a marketing tool. When someone concludes their treatment with you, offer them one year of complimentary cleanings and evaluations. The cost to you would be minimal compared to the fees received from a completed treatment. This is just one idea—you can think of many others. Also, remember not to let the minority rule the majority. If there are a few patients complaining about the fees and leaving as a result of them, then this is not a big problem. If this is happening to such a degree that your overall turnover is suffering, you may want to consider lowering your fees to an acceptable level for both you and the patient or you may want to do more added value marketing options, like the one I suggested above. Certainly, be ever cognizant of your own overhead and if you reduce fees, you may need to look for areas you would have to lower costs of operation. [ add comment ] ( 203 views ) |
Calendar
