Provider News Feed

Eligible providers, including dentists, that participate in Medicaid and CHIP have until Monday, July 20, 2020, to apply for distributions from the Provider Relief Fund under the CARES Act. Providers should begin their application with the U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) now. Please click here for access to an informational webinar and instructions to begin the application process.

MCNA has extended the Louisiana Sealants & Smiles Campaign through December 31, 2020. As part of this campaign, we have increased the reimbursement rate for service code D1351 by $10 per eligible tooth. Please click here to read more about this beneficial campaign.

On June 9, 2020, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that they will move forward with the addition of support specific to Medicaid and CHIP program providers to be considered for financial assistance. Dentists are being considered as critical providers for funding within this program. Please click here to read important information about this opportunity.

The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) recently approved a retroactive fee schedule increase for dates of service on or after July 1, 2019. Please click here for more information about this increase, including new criteria and rates by CDT code.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) has released a Practice Checklist meant to help dental offices address significant areas of practice that may need attention prior to resumption of pre-pandemic levels of care. Please click here to review this guidance from the AAPD.

Pursuant to Medicaid regulations requiring that providers accept Medicaid payments as "payment in full," providers are not allowed to bill Medicaid beneficiaries for any extra personal protective equipment (PPE) associated with medical or dental services rendered. Click here to read the full statement from Louisiana Medicaid.

As part of LDH's response to the COVID-19 emergency declaration, LDH has filed a waiver which allows some flexibility during this disaster to ensure access to care for Medicaid members. LDH will now allow Louisiana-licensed dentists to provide and bill MCNA for teledentistry services that allow for the triage of dental emergencies. Click here to view the requirements and billing expectations for this temporary benefit.

LDH recently released a message for dental and medical providers to simplify and clarify the 20-25: Healthcare Facility Notice/Order #2020-COVID19-ALL-010 that was issued on Monday, April 20, 2020. Please click here to read the guidance from LDH.

The American Dental Association (ADA) has released interim guidance for the screening of patients to identify COVID-19 infection, and methods to minimize the risk of transmission. Please click here to review these recommended resources.

The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) has prohibited all routine, non-essential dental visits and dental procedures/surgeries in Louisiana from March 18, 2020, through April 16, 2020. Please click here to read the LDH's official announcement for more details.