“Medical Billing and Reimbursement Challenges in Dental Practices” with Kandra Sellers

In this episode of the Ultimate Dental Podcast, Dr. David Moffet speaks with Kandra Sellers, a medical billing specialist with over 35 years of experience in the dental field. They discuss the importance of understanding the oral-systemic connection, the role of medical billing in dental practices, and the challenges of reimbursement in the dental industry. Kandra shares her journey from dental hygiene to medical billing and emphasises the need for dental professionals to advocate for their patients overall health. The conversation also touches on the importance of screening for conditions such as sleep apnoea, along with the need for a shift in how dental professionals are perceived and compensated. In this conversation, Kandra Sellers and Dr. David Moffet discuss the complexities of medical billing in dentistry, the importance of providing value in dental services, and the need for dental professionals to elevate their standards of care. They explore how leveraging medical billing can benefit dental practices and improve patient outcomes, particularly in addressing caries risk and overall oral health. The discussion emphasizes the necessity of patient education and the potential for dental professionals to make a significant impact on their patients overal health. What you will learn: [01:20] Introduction to Dental and Medical Billing [03:02] Kandra's Journey in Dentistry [05:32] The Oral-Systemic Connection [11:20] The Role of Medical Billing in Dentistry [16:23] Reimbursement Challenges in Dental Practices [21:54] The Importance of Screening for Sleep Apnea [27:01] The Disconnect in Dental and Medical Care [32:04] Redefining Dental Professionals [33:30] Patient Care and Time Management [35:10] Understanding Medical Billing in Dentistry [41:00] The Importance of Value in Dental Services [45:50] Leveraging Medical Billing for Dental Practices [50:34] Addressing Caries Risk and Patient Education [55:21] Elevating Standards of Care in Dentistry Takeaways  Kandra Sellers has over 35 years of experience in dentistry.  The oral-systemic connection is crucial for patient health.  Medical billing can help dentists get reimbursed for health-related services.  Screening for sleep apnoea is essential but often overlooked in dental practices.  Patients often do not seek dental care due to misconceptions about insurance coverage.  Dental professionals should redefine their roles as healthcare providers.  The current dental reimbursement model limits the quality of patient care.  Advocating for patients overall health is a key responsibility for dental professionals.  Medical billing in dentistry lacks transparency compared to dental practices.  Patients are willing to pay for valuable services if communicated effectively.  Dental professionals should leverage medical billing to enhance patient care.  Caries risk assessment is crucial for maintaining oral health.  Standard of care in dentistry often falls short of what is possible.  Many dentists are unaware of the potential for medical billing.  Reimbursement rates for dental evaluations are significantly lower than for medical evaluations. Sound Bites:  We have to look at the patient as a whole.  We are a medical specialty and the things that we do are important.  I just don't understand our profession.  Patients will pay for that stuff all day long.  We need to be helping our patients save their own lives.