Decoding Dental Benefits: Electronic funds transfers

By | May 14, 2018

Electronic funds transfer may become the preferred payment method for third-party payers but protections for dentists need to be in place.

This is according to the ADA Center for Dental Benefits, Coding and Quality and echoed by ADA President Joseph P. Crowley.

“Technology makes it possible to be more efficient, both in our front-of-office processes and with our patients,” Dr. Crowley said. “With third-party payment transactions, as long as checks and balances are in place to protect the dentist and the patient, the digital future is where we want to be.”

The switch from paper to electronic reimbursement by some third-party payers has prompted many calls to the staff of the ADA Center for Dental Benefits, Coding and Quality about how — and when — to make the switch.

 Aetna has joined MetLife and other payers in adopting alternatives to reimbursement via paper check, either through electronic funds transfers or virtual credit cards.

Through the ADA’s efforts, each of these third-party payers has agreed that individual dentists may opt out of electronic funds transfers and continue to receive paper checks for their claim reimbursements.

The ADA has been proactive in advocating for its members who wish to continue receive payments in the traditional way of paper checks. In 2017, the ADA House of Delegates passed the following statement in Resolution 34:

“The American Dental Association urges third-party payers to support a dentist’s right to receive a traditional paper check in lieu of alternative payment methods as payment for services rendered to a beneficiary of a dental benefits program. The ADA opposes third-party payer payment methodologies that require a dentist to accept virtual credit card payments, electronic funds transfer payments or any other payment options as the only payment option without an opportunity to choose a paper check.”

The ADA also has an on-demand webinar on electronic fund transfers — addressing the how, the why and the myths — available at ADA.org/EFTwebinar.

The ADA has created a landing page for dental benefits information that can help dentists address and resolve even their most vexing questions, ADA.org/dentalbenefits, part of the Center for Professional Success.

Staff from the Center for Dental Benefits, Coding and Quality can help dentists with dental benefits-related problems, questions and concerns. Call 1-800-621-8099 or email dentalbenefits@ada.org for questions regarding denial of claims.

If dentists have a concern or question they would like addressed in a future issue of the ADA News, they can contact dentalbenefits@ada.org.

 

 

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