19 October 2011
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In recent days there has been a large volume of information changing hands about CDDS/EPC patients and their eligibility to be treated by a hygienist or therapist in the dental practice.
The ADAQ and ADANSW, along with DHAAQ, have sent out e-blasts to their members, advising that hygienists and therapists were not included as 'treatment providers' in this scheme.
The advice from DPL is to cease treatment of these patients under these schemes. That is to say, the patient may still be treated by the hygienist, therapist or OHT as a private patient, either paying in full for the treatment or claiming through the patient’s health fund, if they have access to such cover.
We also advise practice managers and operators to make a note in the appointment book the date that the practice ceased treatment by the hygienist, therapist or OHT under these schemes. This may prove very useful if/when a practice is audited by Medicare Australia. DPL believes it would show compliance and a willingness to conform to the rules. Experience tells us this is a less traumatic path for our members in dealing with these audits.
The message that the reception team passes onto the patient is vital in maintaining the ongoing confidence in the hygienist, therapist or OHT. DPL would recommend that any change in working should be explained to the patient as only affecting the mechanism of payment as opposed to the capabilities of the operator.
At this stage DPL has been unsuccessful in all efforts to have Medicare Australia reassess or review its position.
Click here for Dental Protection's advice to dentists.