COVID-19 Coding and Billing Interim Guidance for Virtual Visits. Dentists considering virtual visits for COVID-19 can find the assistance they need to implement teledentistry within their practice with this practical guide from the American Dental Association (ADA). This resource highlights coding scenarios, HIPAA considerations for virtual visits, and how to manage informed consent on the virtual platform. Curious about specific payer policies? This guide breaks down teledentistry coverage for over 20 payers. Click here to view. (May 11, 2020)

Guide to Understanding and Documenting Teledentistry Events. You have heard all about it, but where do you even start the process of delivering dental care through an app? The ADA has helpfully created an introductory guide to teledentistry for those getting their virtual feet wet during the COVID-19 pandemic. A potentially effective way to triage patients when local case numbers are high, dentists may find this starter guide on the essential components of teledentistry useful when they are ready to take the leap into the cyber clinic. Click here to learn more. (March 27, 2020)

AAPD Policy on Teledentistry. "The AAPD encourages the use of teledentistry as an adjunct to in-person clinical care to improve access to care for infants, children, adolescents, and individuals with special health care needs. The AAPD advocates that teledentistry services:

• gain recognition as a subset of telehealth.
• complement but do not serve as a substitute for the establishment of a dental home.
• serve as a useful tool for the timely assessment and triage of traumatic injuries.
• provide an important adjunct when access to providers is limited including, but not limited to, local unfore- seen circumstances, patients in remote locations, and patients with special health care needs who may not be able to engage in traditional services.
• be consistent with evidence-based guidelines and recommendations promulgated by organizations or agencies with recognized expertise and stature.
• be included as an essential component of health care benefits plans with reimbursement rates on par with in-person delivery of care.

The AAPD recognizes that teledentistry is an expanding and increasingly beneficial technology. Further research and development of teledentistry policy and technology are needed on a state and national level to facilitate widespread implementation." To read the full policy, click here.