Quality x-ray scanners and good digital camera systems are allowing us to now send electronic attachments easily to the insurance carriers, often eliminating the need for any type of written narrative. We are getting feedback from our offices that the insurance check is being received by the dental office within 10 days when sending the claim electronically along with a digital picture of the area of concern. While digital x-rays have certainly increased the ease at which an image can be sent, it is not necessary to have digital x-rays systems when sending an electronic x-ray. A digital photo of the x-ray or a scanned x-ray is just as effective.

Sending insurance claims by snail mail is ineffective and a time-waster. The modern dental office has to be set up to deal with the electronic world today. We all know that at some time in the near future, electronics will be the ONLY way that you can communicate with a dental insurance carrier. Will you be ready?

• Legal Documentation: While no one likes to discuss the negative subject of the litigious nature of our profession, we all know that patient dissatisfaction can lead to either a legal incident or a peer review session at the very least. A well documented dental condition prior to the start of treatment can and should be more than a set of x-rays and study models. Documenting the case with digital Before and After Images can often mean the difference between a case going to court, or a case being dismissed. Storage of these images is easy and can be extremely valuable. The best defense is a good offense. Protect yourself and your dental team from the situation of he said- she said with the additional evidence of Before and After Images, as well as study models, x-rays and thorough written documentation.

• Marketing: Wouldn't it be great to be able to produce websites, newsletters and brochures explaining dental procedures using your own dental images? Marketing projects become easier and more do-able when you have hundreds of pictures at your disposal.
  
  

 

Your public can tell the difference between a marketing piece or a website that was mass produced for the dental industry versus something that was specifically created by you for your patient base. Knowing that the dental team cares enough about their own patient base to take the time and trouble to create their own marketing pieces shows that you are a cut above most other dental practices. The possibilities are endless.