Dental Reimbursement Rates Drop Again!

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining.  I am perfectly willing to accept all of the challenges post 2008 and the advent of Obamacare.  But I want the patient public to understand that since Obamacare was created and the recession of 2008 created a lot of opportunities for the injection of corporate DSO’s into the dental industry, the paradigm shift occurring is not a positive one for both the doctor and the patient.

Here are the stats: 

1. In 2017, dentist’s reimbursement rate dropped 0.7 percent. However, between May 2018 and May 2019, dentists experience a 2.7 percent reimbursement rate decline.   Keep in mind, healthcare costs on the supply side are rising while reimbursements are declining.

2. For orthodontists, reimbursement rates dropped 4.9 percent. In 2017, the reimbursement rate decreased 4.7 percent. In their arena, there is also increased competition (and law suits) from private non-dentist companies to provide orthodontics at your local mall or over the internet.

3. Solo practitioners have seen the biggest reimbursement rate decrease at 8.7 percent by May 2019. In 2017, solo practitioners saw a 6.7 percent decline in reimbursement rates.  Think about that, you are paying higher premiums and receiving reduced benefits.  Who’s winning here? Not you the patient and definitely not the dentist.

4. Group practices are expected to see reimbursement rates increase 1.6 percent during the 12-month period. In 2017, the reimbursement rate grew 0.5 percent.  Here again, the increased negotiating power of the DSO’s is pushing out the sole practitioner and supplanting what used to be quality care with essentially oil change dentistry.

5. In total, dental reimbursement rates have dropped 3.3 percent on average.  This makes no sense when dentists are and want to pay higher wages and offer better quality services through high tech developments. 

Who benefits, investment banker backed corporations and insurance companies.  Who loses, you and your dentist.  What is the overall consequence?  Fewer and fewer quality providers will enter the market with the turmoil occurring in the field of dentistry.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

ZoAnna Scheinfeld, MS, DMD

Hanna Orland, DMD

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Sandy Springs, GA 30328

404-256-3620

And

3781 Chamblee Dunwoody Road

Chamblee, GA 30341

770-455-6076

info@rightsmilecente.com

http://www.rightsmilecenter.com

Temporary Remedies for Toothaches

Anyone who’s had the bad luck to be waylaid by a toothache knows that few experiences are more miserable. You want relief and you want it now. While home remedies may temporarily ease discomfort, the only way to get lasting toothache relief is to see a dentist, preferably us.

Until you get professional help you may get some temporary relief using these toothache temporary remedies:

• Rinse your mouth with warm water. Some toothaches are caused by trapped food particles. Use dental floss to remove anything wedged between teeth. This ensures a clean mouth and provides toothache relief.
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. Toothaches can often be eased with pain relievers. Consider applying ice to the affected area as an additional toothache remedy.
• Apply an over-the-counter antiseptic containing benzocaine. This is a tried and true temporary toothache remedy.
• Avoid very hot or very cold foods. Toothaches lead to sensitive teeth, so treat them gently.

Toothaches won’t just go away. Your ultimate toothache remedy will come from a dentist. Toothache remedies depend on the source of the problem; an X-ray will usually be used to check for decay or other dental problems. Then we can perform the appropriate dental treatment, such as a tooth filling, tooth extraction or root canal.

Remember, toothache remedies can’t top prevention! The best way to stave off toothaches is to practice good oral hygiene, including regular flossing and brushing. Another great toothache remedy is your dental visit; it helps us prevent and identify problems before they become serious.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

ZoAnna Scheinfeld, MS, DMD

Hanna Orland, DMD

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Sandy Springs, GA 30328

404-256-3620

And

3781 Chamblee Dunwoody Road

Chamblee, GA 39341

770-455-6076

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com