When it comes to managing your insurance accounts receivable (AR), few things make a bigger impact than submitting clean, complete claims the first time.
Failure to include all necessary attachments or details often leads to denials, delayed payments, and sometimes even outright claim rejections. And let’s face it—those follow-ups take time your team could be spending on patient care.
Why First-Time Accuracy Matters
Every time a claim is sent back for missing documentation, the payment clock resets. That means extra administrative work, extended payment cycles, and cash flow headaches. Ensuring your claims are complete and accurate on the first submission helps your practice get paid faster and reduces the risk of aging AR.
What Carriers Want Has Changed
Gone are the days when a perio chart and a panoramic X-ray were enough to get scaling and root planing claims paid without question. Today, most insurance carriers expect a more detailed clinical picture, which may include:
- Bitewings and a Panoramic X-ray or a full-mouth series (FMX)
- 6-point complete perio charting
- A clinical note with:
- Staging and grading of periodontal disease
- Appointment length
- Type and amount of anesthetic used
Each insurance company has its own nuances—and keeping up with those changing requirements can feel like a full-time job.
Pro Tip: Send It All Up Front
Our best advice? Send as much documentation as possible with your initial claim submission. It’s better to slightly over-share than risk a delay because something was missing.
To make it easier, we’ve created a Claim Attachment Cheat Sheet, available in our free downloads. It outlines what’s typically required for common dental procedures—so your team can submit complete, clean claims every time.
The Bottom Line
Staying proactive and informed about evolving carrier requirements keeps your claims timely, accurate, and efficient—and that means faster payments and less stress for your entire team.
When your claims go out right the first time, everyone wins!
