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Patients who Deny Periodontal Charting

Ask the Expert ForumCategory: Insurance CodingPatients who Deny Periodontal Charting
guestuser asked 12 years ago

Do you have a sample denial letter for patients who deny periodontal charting? Any information you can provide is greatly appreciated. thank you for your time. Pam

1 Answers
Karen Davis, RDH, BSDH answered 7 years ago
I personally do not have a decline letter or form to pass on for patients who decline a periodontal screening, but I would advise you to refer to the American Academy of Periodontology's publication titled, "Comprehensive Periodontal Therapy: A Statement by The American Academy of Periodontology." In that statement the AAP says, "Patients should have a comprehensive periodontal evaluation and their risk factors identified at least on an annual basis." In my opinion, it would be difficult to provide standard of care treatment for any patient who completely refuses a periodontal evaluation inclusive of periodontal probing. This is a matter that needs the dentist to provide "back-up support" to the dental hygienist by advising patients periodontal evaluations are required at least on an annual basis on all patients of record. If a patient is too uncomfortable during the process topical anesthetics can be utilized. Karen Davis, RDH, BSDH

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