April 8, 2020 | Issue 16
Teledentistry Provides Alternative to Face-to-Face Evaluations
Determining if an issue is an emergency may be difficult when you cannot see the patient. Teledentistry is a way for dentists to offer consultation to patients without a face-to-face examination.

Using teledentistry raises a number of questions:

  • What technology to use?
  • How to bill for services?
  • How to let patients know this is an option?

The ADA on-demand webinar, Teledentistry & Virtual Evaluations During COVID-19 , provides answers to these questions.

The ADA COVID-19 Coding and Billing Interim Guidance contains codes, sample coding scenarios, and a FAQ section to assist dentists offering these teledentistry visits.

This week the Iowa Medicaid Enterprise (IME) issued a letter to DWP and Hawki dental providers regarding two codes, D9995 for synchronous, real time encounters, and D0140 for limited oral evaluations (problem focused).

Additionally, on March 26 Governor Kim Reynolds signed a proclamation that mandated insurance companies provide the same benefits if care is delivered face-to-face or via teledentistry.

If you have questions regarding teledentistry, please submit them via the IDA online form.
Employment Law FAQ Available
COVID-19 has brought on new employment law issues that dental offices are navigating. The ADA has partnered with Jackson Lewis Law Firm to provide an FAQ regarding general employment law information.

IDA has worked with BrownWinick Law Firm to develop an Iowa specific FAQ, which is one of the resources available on the IDA Coronavirus Resource Page.

Please submit your employment questions on the IDA online form.
IDA Offering Online CE Opportunities
With the cancellation of IDEAS20, IDA has been working with planned presenters to create online versions of the courses that were originally scheduled for the conference, and we are excited to be bringing several of these continuing education courses to you online. Please be on the lookout for future communications with more information about what courses will be available and how to register, as well as earn your CE credits.
Governor's Daily Press Conferences Continue
Governor Kim Reynolds continues to conduct daily press conferences at 11:00 AM. Access the press conferences via Facebook and on many local news channels.

The governor issues daily press releases regarding the status of COVID-19's effect on Iowans. Click here to access the most recent press release.
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