- Joined
- Aug 7, 2007
- Messages
- 111
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- 5
Are you aware that there is already talk from some HMOs (metro dental, healthpartners) that they would require pts to go to ADHPs first and then via a referall to a DDS. Not be prejudice, a DDS doesnt mind seing "those people" as u call them. They are entitled to respect as any other patient. compensation isnt great with MA, but that is not the patients problem, that is the states informed decision to ignore dental access.
I have not done a lot of research on this subject, although now I definitely will be. So far, however, I have noticed that a lot of arguments have centered upon the hope that most patients will choose to go to a DDS over an ADHP if they have the choice (i.e. metro areas and non-underserved areas). Not only that, but the RDH's and ADHP proponents have been arguing on here that ADHP's will logically choose lower compensation as they are not as highly trained as dentists.
BUT, what happens when PPO/DHMO plans find out that an ADHP is charging lower fees than what they are allowing their DDS preferred providers charge? I can't predict the future, but I am pretty sure I understand the innate nature of insurance companies and they could lower their fee schedules OR just not raise the fee schedules until inflation allows the ADHP fees to catch up to their fee schedules. Granted, the DDS has two choices: take the hit on the fees to get insured patients through the doors, or quit accepting the insurance plan.
Obviously, we have already pointed out that DDS's will most likely have a HUGE disadvantage in terms of loan repayments after school. At this point, what do you do? We all know that a lot of times patients choose not only their provider but will change treatment plans based on what insurance dictates. Who is to say that an ADHD doesn't become a preferred provider and with less loans to pay off can accept the lower fee schedules and therefore the DDS's previous patients?
I know that I will get knocked for suggesting this, but I do want to point out that I am all for public service. I do not believe money=happiness, but I do want to be able to put food on the table, pay my bills, and live a semi-comfortable life after spending 8+ years after high school studying my rear end off. I also know that this is an exaggerated example of what could happen, but I just wanted to point out where insurance companies may start to jeopardize the situation even more.