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A Message from our CEO
Thank you for being an important part of the Delta Dental of Colorado family. Delta Dental of Colorado understands the difficulties many individuals and businesses are experiencing, and we want to help. Our team is currently looking at ways in which we can support our provider community, as you are a critical partner in improving the oral health of the communities we serve. We are evaluating a number of different plans to help our dental providers as we all navigate these uncharted waters. As we work on this evaluation, we need to consider all stakeholders in this process: employees, employers, members, brokers, individual consumers, and providers, in addition to our partners serving communities in need.
In the interim, to help our network dentists better manage their patient populations during this time, effective Monday, March 30, in addition to paying D0140 (limited oral evaluation, problem focused) for patients seen in person, DDCO will also be paying D0140 for teledentistry visits. While dentists may choose to also submit a teledentistry code (D9995, 9996) for patients being treated remotely, unless already covered by the member's group or individual existing contract, this will be considered to be integral to the examination.
Delta Dental of Colorado prides itself in being a Colorado company, and we stand united with all Coloradans as we face this crisis. There is a lot of uncertainty about how long this will last or the impact it will have on our economy, and we will continue to be committed to our mission of improving the oral health of the communities we serve. In a time where answers may not come as quickly as we prefer, we want to emphasize our commitment to continue to be transparent as possible and communicate as quickly as we can about what we're doing to help minimize the impacts of COVID-19 as well as how we will continue supporting you during these unprecedented times. There are several resources for small businesses that you may be able to access immediately, including the Colorado COVID-19 Business Resource Center and the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce COVID-19 Business Resource Center. We will continue to share developments via email and on our Coronavirus webpage.
On behalf of the entire Delta Dental of Colorado family, I want to thank you for being our partners in oral health. We're committed to working through these challenging circumstances together. Let's continue to take care of ourselves and one another.
Best regards,
Helen Drexler
President & CEO
Delta Dental of Colorado
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COVID-19 Updates
DDCO Workforce Preparedness Reminder
We recently announced DDCO's move to restrict business travel and have the majority of our team members work from home when possible. We are keeping our office open for a small number of team members whose roles require them to physically be in the office.
Whether working from home or in the office, our workforce will continue to maintain operations and service the needs of employer groups, members, providers, and brokers
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We expect this to be as seamless as possible, but we also know that this increased reliance on mobile technology may result in some longer wait times, so your patience is appreciated. You can also self-serve on our secure portals at
deltadentalco.com
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Update to Dental Professionals from the Colorado Dental Association
Governor Jared Polis issued
Executive Order D 2020 009 late last Thursday, instituting a
temporary cessation of all elective and non-essential surgeries and procedures. The measure, effective March 23-April 14, 2020, is aimed at preserving personal protective equipment (PPE) and ventilators in Colorado to combat the ongoing spread of COVID-19 and prioritize essential health care services while Colorado is in a state of emergency.
The order affects medical, dental, and veterinary licensees under the Division of Professions and Occupations at DORA are impacted.
Procedures in those professions may take place only under the following conditions:
- There is a threat to the patient's life if the surgery or procedure is not performed.
- There is a threat of permanent dysfunction of an extremity or organ system if the surgery or procedure is not performed.
- There is a risk of metastasis or progression of staging of a disease or condition if a surgery or procedure is not performed.
- There is a risk that the patient's condition will rapidly deteriorate if the surgery or procedure is not performed, and there is a threat to life, or to an extremity or organ system, or of permanent dysfunction or disability.
The governor also has requested that any Colorado business or non-hospital health care facility -- including veterinary, dental, research, institutions of higher learning, or other facilities -- that are not required for the provision of critical health care services undertake an inventory of PPE, ventilators, respirators, and anesthesia machines by no later than March 26 and prepare to send it to the state. These supplies may be reallocated elsewhere to bolster efforts to fight this historic public health challenge
Stay safe, healthy, and informed on Coronavirus (COVID-19). Follow
recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for good hygiene at home, in the workplace, and at school.
Donating to the Colorado COVID Fund
As we all work together to stop the spread of COVID-19, many people are unfortunately experiencing a loss of income, health care, housing, and stability.
The Colorado COVID Relief Fund, hosted by the State of Colorado and Mile High United Way, is a way to provide assistance to Colorado communities and organizations affected by the outbreak. This fund will be overseen by a committee of community leaders from across Colorado and will provide flexible resources to organizations in our state working with communities who are disproportionately impacted by the outbreak.
The Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation has donated $100,000 to the fund to assist the organizations in our state hit hardest by the COVID-19 outbreak. We are proud to be a Colorado company, and we stand with the people of this great state. As you search for ways to help your communities, consider a financial donation to this fund. "
Our community is more important than ever," said Delta Dental of Colorado CEO Helen Drexler. "Coming together and supporting a fund that helps the most vulnerable in our community is the hallmark of a community that cares for everyone."
Checks can be mailed to: Mile High United Way, PO Box 5547, Denver, CO 80217-9425 (in the memo line, please write COVID). Mile High United Way is the fiscal sponsor, and Bank of America will be underwriting fees and administrative costs.
*Please note that donations of goods and services are not being accepted due to safety concerns. Please continue to support your local food banks
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