DDAR Provider Newsletter, Winter 2021
Leadership Update: DDAR Welcomes New President & CEO
We at Delta Dental of Arkansas are pleased to welcome aboard our new President and CEO, Kristin Merlo. Her more than 20-year history with the Delta Dental system ensures strong leadership and positive changes for DDAR, which will be felt by employees,
providers and members alike.
Merlo was most recently with Delta Dental of Virginia, where she served and Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Prior to that, she was with Delta Dental of Washington for 18 years. Merlo is a University of Virginia graduate, holding a bachelor’s degree in History and a master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Virginia’s Darden Graduate School of Business.
“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to lead Delta Dental of Arkansas at such an exciting point in the company’s history,” said Merlo. “During my time working with and leading other Delta Dental plans, I have developed a deep understanding of the opportunities to build the Delta Dental brand and transform our different customers’ experiences while staying focused on the core mission of improving the oral health of individuals and families in the state that our company serves.”
Former President and CEO Ed Choate has retired after leading DDAR for 21 years.
This honor is extended by invitation only to nominated dentists who pass a rigorous peer-review process leading to the recognition of “outstanding professional achievement, meritorious service, and dedication to the continued progress of dentistry for the benefit of humankind.” Just three percent of all dentists are inducted into this preeminent honor society. The organization’s core values are integrity, leadership and service, qualities which Dr. Thomas B Redd, Dr. Troy Bartels, Dr. Ken Berley, and Dr. John Jones have exhibited throughout their careers.
ICD recognizes and promotes excellence in leadership with an emphasis on service, with the mission of providing support to its fellows, respecting peers and addressing oral health needs and education throughout the world.
Opted Out of Medicare? You Can Still Join Our Medicare Advantage Network
Effective January 1, 2022, Medicare Advantage members will be able to receive services from providers who have opted out of Medicare. Once those providers choose to join Delta Dental’s Medicare Advantage network, their names will be included in our Medicare Advantage directory of participating dentists. Please contact the Professional Relations team if you would like more information about becoming a Medicare Advantage provider.
Coming in 2022 – Enhanced Provider Directories
In an effort to maintain network directory accuracy and ensure regulatory compliance, Delta Dental of Arkansas (DDAR) has partnered with P&R Dental Strategies to manage the ever-changing world of dental provider data.
What this means to your practice
DDAR will leverage the services of P&R Dental Strategies to verify that your practice information is correct and up to date in our directories. This will ensure that DDAR’s members can easily find you during a participating dentist search of any of our networks.
How it will work
Your office will be contacted on quarterly basis via email from P&R Dental Strategies. You will need to verify your practice/dental provider information and respond in a timely manner. Be on the lookout for more information as the 2022 “go live” date draws near.
New Claims Processing Tips
- Effective January 1, 2022, Bitewing X-rays will be limited to 2 per patient on the same date of service for children under the age of 10.
- When filing a claim for any prosthetics such as a crown, inlay, onlay, partial, bridge or denture, etc., be sure to answer question #43 on the claim form, “Replacement of Prosthesis?” If yes, answer question #44 regarding date of prior placement. Failure to answer these questions may result in processing delays or possible denied claims.
- Please notify our Professional Relations Department immediately of any changes to your practice. Failure to do so may result in payment delays or payments made to the member. Professional Relations: 501-992-1710 or arprofrelations@deltadentalar.com.
Periodicity Schedule
Click the button below to view the periodicity schedule.
Empty Chair Time? Seeking New Patients? Delta Dental’s PPO Network Might Be for You
Let’s face the facts. Increased participation in PPO networks has become a national trend as employers seek affordable dental benefits as a means to offset the high cost of healthcare for their employees. More and more Americans have dental coverage in a PPO product, and the result is an increased demand for PPO dental providers.
Delta Dental of Arkansas recognizes this trend and offers a Preferred Provider Option (PPO) program, in addition to the Premier program in which you currently participate. The PPO program requires a separate contract.
We invite you to look at the enclosed PPO fee schedule and consider joining DDAR’s PPO network. More companies in your immediate area are opting for a PPO dental program and their employees will be seeking PPO providers for their treatment.
Keep in mind that once your fixed monthly expenses are met, your high overhead expense is less on any additional services provided. If you have empty chair time in your practice and want to enhance your income, then our PPO program might be for you.
Translation Services Available for Delta Dental Smiles Providers
As a value-added service, Delta Dental of Arkansas provides a language translation service to all Delta Dental Smiles and Delta Dental Smiles for Kids participating providers at no cost. Costs for these services are billed directly to Delta Dental. If you have a language barrier with a member, Voiance will provide translation services for you. You can either conference Voiance into a call between you and the member or use a speaker phone if the non-English speaking patient is in your office. Voice and video calls are available.
How to Access These Services:
- Dial Voiance at 1-844-648-5669
- Enter your 4-digit Arkansas license number
- State the language you need
- Select if you would like to add an additional person to the call
- When the interpreter comes on the line:
- Give the interpreter a brief explanation of the call
- Speak in the first person
- Avoid slang, jargon or metaphors
- Allow clarification on linguistic or cultural issues
Voiance Mobile App
Voiance also offers a mobile app to assist you with translations with your Delta Dental Smiles and Delta Dental Smiles for Kids patients. To use the app, follow these steps:
- Download the app from the App Store.
- Set up an account using the following information:
User email: voiance@deltadentalar.com
Password: DeltaDental1