CUMBERLAND MEDICAL CENTER KEEPING YOU “IN THE KNOW” ABOUT DENTAL CLAIMS

At Cumberland Medical Center’s Emergency Department, we are ready to treat problems which come our way. Unfortunately, not every complaint is considered reimbursable by Medicare. In today’s issue, we will focus on dental claims through our emergency department.

Medicare has strict guidelines for hospital coverage; dental claims are no exception. Patients are stunned to realize they can be 100% liable for all charges accrued in the emergency department if the teeth / mouth are involved.

In recent days, we have seen gum abscesses, dental cavities, complications following dental extractions, gum infections, mouth lesions, mouth blisters, etc. all be denied payment by Medicare. Medicare states that these complications originated in the mouth / tooth area and are not reimbursable.

To avoid the chance of denial of payment, Cumberland Medical Center strongly urges all Medicare patients to see a dentist and to have a thorough dental check-up on a regular basis. If problems with your mouth occur, report these problems to your primary care physician as soon as possible. Many of the problems seen in the emergency department could be remedied with early detection by a physician.

In closing, do not assume all mouth pain is dental pain. One of the most common signs of a heart attack is jaw pain. If you experience jaw / mouth pain and have no signs of redness, swelling, and no precipitating cause; report to the emergency department immediately for assessment by a physician.

Remember; your health matters to us and we strive to keep you “In the Know.”