ADA's stance on the Healthcare Bill

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teeth63a

teeth63a

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Starting (another) new thread on this since both previous ones have gotten bogged down with policy issues.

http://image.adapubs.adamail.org/lib/fef61079726005/d/1/HCR -- Side-by- Side FINAL.pdf

The first thing that caught my eye is that the ADA does indeed oppose a government run health plan. Shocker!
Members don't see this ad.
 
Oh come on teeth. You know you just made that document up you right winged hack. Who in their right mind would be against a public plan in dentistry.
 
Members don't see this ad :)
teeth63a said:
Starting (another) new thread on this since both previous ones have gotten bogged down with policy issues.

http://image.adapubs.adamail.org/lib/fef61079726005/d/1/HCR -- Side-by- Side FINAL.pdf

The first thing that caught my eye is that the ADA does indeed oppose a government run health plan. Shocker!
Click to expand...

This is interesting, however, they do feel that comprehensive adult medicaid should be mandatory.

Please tell me the difference between a for stance on this and an against stance on "a government run" health plan is appropriate?

To me, these two stances are not mutually exclusive. I absolutely feel the ADA is steering in the wrong direction on medicaid. There are ways to serve the poor and undeserved, but not through a totalitarian, government-based, scary program.

Comprehensive children's medicaid = yes
Comprehensive adult's medicaid = no
Emergency (needs only) adult medicaid = maybe
 
on page two of the document:

"The ADA supports no cost sharing for preventive services and an amendment that would ensure oral health expertise on the advisory committee."

Why is that? i was under the impression that (a) cost sharing was customary and (b) preventative services should be covered.

obviously, i'm not a practicing dentists, but i'd really like perspective
 
hajibandeh said:
on page two of the document:

"The ADA supports no cost sharing for preventive services and an amendment that would ensure oral health expertise on the advisory committee."

Why is that? i was under the impression that (a) cost sharing was customary and (b) preventative services should be covered.

obviously, i'm not a practicing dentists, but i'd really like perspective
Click to expand...

Short version translated. The ADA thinks that DENTAL PROFESSIONALS not medical professionals should be doing dental health procedures. Hence only DENTISTS (and dental related professionals - i.e. hygienists) should bill for dental procedures

Now if I was a lawyer I could bill you a few hundred dollars for that interpretation ;):rolleyes::D
 
DrJeff said:
Short version translated. The ADA thinks that DENTAL PROFESSIONALS not medical professionals should be doing dental health procedures. Hence only DENTISTS (and dental related professionals - i.e. hygienists) should bill for dental procedures

Now if I was a lawyer I could bill you a few hundred dollars for that interpretation ;):rolleyes::D
Click to expand...

Do 'medical professionals' currently do dental health procedures? Is that what the bill implicates - that 'medical professionals' will be doing the role of a dentist? sorry if this sounds like a dumb question, the rhetoric of politics is....ambiguous at best.

oh, and i'll have your check out in the mail today from my bank account of $0.00 :p
 
hajibandeh said:
Do 'medical professionals' currently do dental health procedures? Is that what the bill implicates - that 'medical professionals' will be doing the role of a dentist? sorry if this sounds like a dumb question, the rhetoric of politics is....ambiguous at best.

oh, and i'll have your check out in the mail today from my bank account of $0.00 :p
Click to expand...

Technically medical professionals can do any dental procedure they want to. They just have to do it up to the standard of care that a "specialist" would (meaning a dentist). In some areas, physicians are doing and billing for oral exams(and more than just the cursory move the tongue with a tongue blade and look) and administering fluoride treatment and placing sealants (usually in a public health clinic).

Ideally the ADA(and many current dentists) would LOVE if dentistry is left out of the healthcare reform and remains as it is. However from a political standpoint the ADA also needs to keep involved in the healthcare debate so if dentistry is included, we'll have a representative at the table as it's being figured out.
 
i'm still not clear as to why the ADA is against "cost sharing". from what i understand, that represents the model where costs are spread over employer/employee health & dental plans, and it's what i've had for every job i've ever worked. is there another connotation to this?
 
hajibandeh said:
i'm still not clear as to why the ADA is against "cost sharing". from what i understand, that represents the model where costs are spread over employer/employee health & dental plans, and it's what i've had for every job i've ever worked. is there another connotation to this?
Click to expand...


In this case, "cost sharing" is in reference to interdisciplanary cost sharing. Like I said before, the ADA wants to make sure the DENTAL providers are billing for DENTAL procedures, not medical providers billing for them
 
Another poster offered this link which is dental specific, and related to what someone mentioned above (regarding universal dental care for children, and possible pallative care for adults).

http://www.cleveland.com/medical/index.ssf/2009/08/current_healthcare_reform_plan.html

In our state, the state pays for comprehensive care for children up to 21. Adults had limited care (exams, cleanings, fillings, dentures) between 2005-2009 (the height of the economy), and as of last month, has reverted back to emergency only care (ie 9110 or extractions 7120, etc).

I wouldn't be surprised if this model works it's way into the bill. I personally think this model is adequate, and that universal coverage for children serves a population who would greatly benefit.

My understanding is that currently both versions do NOT mention adult dental benefits, but only mentions universal dental coverage for kids.

I'm still trying to wrap my brain around all 9 pages of the ADA's stance...
 
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