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Ohio Department of Medicaid Proposes Changes to Dental Reimbursement and Coverage Rule

Client Alert

The Ohio Department of Medicaid is proposing amendments to Ohio Administrative Code rule 5160-5-01 to do all of the following:

  • Procedure Code Updates
    • Update covered services based on new procedure codes added to the 2024 American Dental Association Code on Dental Procedures and Nomenclature.
  • Frequency Limitations and Coverage Clarifications
    • Amend frequency limitations, coverage clarifications, and service descriptions for: Dental exams, Prophylaxis, Imaging, Pin retention, Re-cementing, Re-bonding, Orthodontic treatments, Biopsy, Application of fluoride varnish.
  • Imaging Payments
    • Allow reimbursement for multiple bitewings taken in conjunction with a panoramic image.
  • Vaccine Administration
    • Discontinue payment for the administration of COVID-19 and human papillomavirus vaccines.
  • Pin Retention
    • Reimburse pin retention per tooth, with a maximum of three pins per tooth.
  • Re-cementing and Re-bonding Crowns
    • Remove the frequency limit for re-cementing and re-bonding crowns.
  • Orthodontic Treatment Payments
    • Ensure payment for comprehensive orthodontic treatment (D8080) covers the initial placement visit and the first quarter of treatment.
    • Allows seven calendar quarters of periodic orthodontic treatment visits (D8670) per course of treatment.
    • Prohibits reimbursement for D8670 in the same quarter as D8080.
  • Partial Dentures
    • Removes the restriction stating "A partial denture with a resin base may be covered only for a patient younger than 19".
  • Dental Evaluations and Prophylaxis
    • Clarifies that periodic dental evaluations and dental prophylaxis are covered once per 180 days for several special groups, including but not limited to:
      • Pregnant women
      • Foster children
      • Employed individuals with disabilities, regardless of age
    • Prior Authorization (PA) Requirements
      • The PA Required column will indicate when procedures are paid by report.
      • Prohibits reimbursement for excisional biopsies of salivary glands in conjunction with another biopsy on the same date of service.
    • Topical Fluoride Varnish Application
      • Adds the Current Procedural Terminology code for "Application of topical fluoride varnish by a physician or other qualified health care professional when performed in a nondental clinic or facility setting".

There will be a hearing on these proposed rule changes August 12, 2024. Please contact BMD Healthcare Member Daphne Kackloudis at dlkackloudis@bmdllc.com for questions or to help you prepare comments on the rules.


Ohio Medical Board Releases New Telehealth Rules

On Tuesday, February 21, 2023, the State Medical Board of Ohio released its final telehealth rules to implement Ohio’s telehealth statute (O.R.C. 4743.09) for physicians, physician assistants, dieticians, respiratory care professionals and genetic counselors. Ohio’s advanced practice registered nurses (“APRNs”) should also take note of these rules. While the Medical Board does not govern APRNs directly, those APRNs who are required to have a collaborating physician and standard care arrangement (namely nurse practitioners, certified nurse midwives, and clinical nurse specialists) are still affected by the rules. Generally, if an APRN’s collaborating physician is limited in their practice, then the APRN will also be limited.

The End of the Public Health Emergency is (Finally) Here

The COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (“PHE”) that has been in effect for over three years is finally slated to end on May 11, 2023.[1] With the end of the PHE will come many changes for healthcare providers to be aware of; however, some changes may not come until much later.

Multi-340B Contract Pharmacy Locations on the Brink? The Third Circuit’s Ruling Gives a Hint.

The 340B drug discount program requires pharmaceutical manufacturers to offer to sell their products at significant discounts to safety net providers called “covered entities.” In 1996, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) issued guidance authorizing covered entities to enter into a contract pharmacy arrangement with a single third-party contract pharmacy, to which the manufacturer would ship 340B medications but bill the covered entity. In 2010, HRSA issued revised guidance permitting covered entities to enter into an unlimited number of contract pharmacy arrangements.

Five Opportunities for Operations and Compliance Excellence in 2023

With the holidays behind us and the rest of the year ahead, now is the perfect time to get your operational/compliance house in order! Though your list might be a mile (or an inch) long, here are five places to start.

The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act - What Employers Need to Know

Effective June 27, 2023, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) will require employers with at least 15 employees to provide reasonable accommodations for qualified employees with pregnancy-related restrictions unless doing so would impose an undue hardship on the employer.