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ACT ION
THE JOURNAL OF THE GEORGIA DENTAL ASSOCIATION
JANUARY 2014
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VOLUME 33, NUMBER 1 • JANUARY 2014
ACTION
on the cover
ACT ION
THE JOURNAL OF THE GEORGIA DENTAL ASSOCIATION
GDA ACTION (ISSN 0273-5989) The official publication of the Georgia Dental Association (GDA) is published monthly. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to GDA Action at 7000 Peachtree Dunwoody Road N.E., Suite 200, Building 17, Atlanta, GA 30328. Phone numbers in state are (404) 636-7553 and (800) 432-4357. www.gadental.org. Closing date for copy: first of the month preceding publication month. Subscriptions: $17 of membership dues is for the newsletter; all others, $75 per year. Periodicals postage paid at Atlanta, GA. Dr. David Bradberry GDA Editor 1070 Woodlawn Dr NE Suite 250 Marietta, GA 30068
Delaine Hall GDA Managing Editor 7000 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd NE Suite 200, Building 17 Atlanta, GA 30328
2013-14 Georgia Dental Association Officers Marshall H. Mann, DDS, President Douglas B. Torbush, DDS, President Elect Greg G. Goggans, DMD, Vice President James B. Hall III, DDS, Secretary / Treasurer R. David Bradberry, DMD, Editor
GDA/GDIS Executive Office Staff Members Nelda Greene, MBA, Interim Executive Director Delaine Hall, Director of Communications Skip Jones, Director of Marketing (GDIS) Courtney Layfield, Director of Member Services Victoria LeMaire, Medical Accounts Manager Melana Kopman McClatchey, General Counsel Denis Mucha, Director of Operations (GDIS) Margo Null, Property and Casualty Accounts Manager Patrice Williams, Administrative Assistant Phyllis Willich, Administrative Assistant Pamela Yungk, Director of Membership & Finance
other features
sections
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Reserve a Room at the Ritz for the GDA Annual Meeting
4
Parting Shots
5
Editorial
HIPAA: 30 Things You Can Do To Stay in Compliance
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News and Views
9
Calendar of Events
22
Classifieds
8
12
GDA Volunteers Provide Dental Care Via the TeamSmile Program
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GDA Offers 22 Tips for Keeping Your Practice On Track in 2014
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Train Employees on Revised OSHA Hazard Communication Standard
GDA Action seeks to be an issues-driven journal focusing on current matters affecting Georgia dentists, patients, and their treatment, accomplished through disseminating information and providing a forum for member commentary. © Copyright 2014 by the Georgia Dental Association. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission. Publication of any article or advertisement should not be deemed an endorsement of the opinions expressed or products advertised. The Association expressly reserves the right to refuse publication of any article, photograph, or advertisement.
JANUARY 2014
Barrels of ink and hundreds of hours have been devoted to the discussion of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), or ObamaCare, its unofficial moniker. Couple ACA web site snafus with the realization that many who had individual plans they were happy with would lose their coverage, and it’s no wonder the negative press for President Obama and his administration is rampant. So, where does dentistry stand with all of this? Read an overview on page 10.
Member Publication American Association of Dental Editors
index of advertisers Note: Publication of an advertisement is not to be construed as an endorsement or approval by the GDA or any of its subsidiaries, committees, or task forces of the product or service offered in the
advertisement unless the advertisement specifically includes an authorized statement that such approval or endorsement has been granted.
ADS South . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Dr. Mark Padolsky—TMD Dentist . . . . . . . . . .16
Law Office of Stuart J. Oberman . . . . . . . . . . .17
AFTCO Transition Consultants . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
GDA Dental Recovery Network . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Medical Protective . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Center for TMJ Therapy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Georgia Dental Insurance Services . . . . . . . . .28
Paragon Dental Practice Transitions . . . . . . . .23
Craniofacial Pain Center of Georgia . . . . . . . .15
2014 Hinman Dental Meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Southeast Transitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Dental Care Alliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Hospital Dentistry—Dr. Kurtzman . . . . . . . . . .20
UBS Financial Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
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editorial perspective
Are You Friends?
R. David Bradberry, DMD
For several months now I’ve talked about several items that have been on my mind. This time I believe I will take a moment of privilege (as if they aren’t all moments of privilege). The legislative season is about to begin. Everyone has been rushing about with their things to do for the holiday season, but now the shift occurs. We are going into the new year of 2014. The 20th century is long left behind and many of the issues on our minds then are no longer relevant. The practitioners of the early 1900s would marvel at the methods of practice and treatment of the late 20th century and be absolutely speechless at how we do things today. Computer-driven offices are now a standard with everything from impressions to radiographs being digitized. And what would they think about social media? In a time when everything moves so fast, Facebook and Twitter are becoming the norm over phone calls and even e-mails. I hear kids practically daily say to each other “I’ll Facebook you later.” That could be a future new norm—patients “facebooking” their problems to you looking for an answer. Seems silly on the “face” of it, but patients have e-mailed and texted pictures to me and asked, “Do I need to come in?” Human to human direct contact seems to be decreasing. I have to ask, what impact does this have on each of us personally and professionally? Some positives that I hear often are that I can get more done in less time, I don’t have to interrupt someone, I can send a thought when it comes to mind instead of waiting. But what about that direct contact part? Looking someone in the eyes, hearing their voice inflections, seeing body movements— all of this is part of getting to know a person, the real person, behind the words. Recently there has been a television commercial that is quite funny. There are two
more-mature, very famous actors announcing what sound like Facebook notifications out loud. “Stephanie has sent you a friend request,” says the first actor. Actor 2 proclaims, “You and Stephanie are now friends.” This continues until Actor 1 states a name that is met with an icy stare and frown from Actor 2. No words are needed—obviously this will be a friendship request that is denied. The ad is intended to extol the virtues of a phone company and its usefulness in attending to social media updates. But the body movements, facial gestures, and vocal intonations of the humans communicating face to face are what make the commercial interesting and workable. What the commercial does in promoting a nonverbal, impersonal means of communication actually reinforces the value and need for person-to-person contact. One can say that words are cheap, but the look on a person’s face … priceless! Don’t get me wrong. There is a place for all of the technology emerging around us and much of it does in some ways help our lives. (Notice I did not say simplify.) But all of it needs to be in a place that is optimal for proper socialization of human beings—that is, where we all work well together with a sufficient amount of human to human contact and the technologies that may aid us used in a healthy amount. I want to say ‘thank you’ to every one of you for all the warm welcomes at meetings and the positive comments I have received for my monthly soap box lectures. Keep letting me know what you think (if it is good maybe I’ll “friend” you). Oh by the way don’t forget to “like me” on Facebook.
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general news ADA FIND A DENTIST
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Submit Your Photo
Get GDA Insights
The ADA Find-A-Dentist function on the consumer web site www.MouthHealthy.org sends patients looking for dental care to the offices of member dentists. Having a current profile on ADA Find-a-Dentist is a great opportunity to help build practice visibility. Therefore, your GDA Public Relations Committee encourages all members to update their profiles. Patients can only view the information you update! To start the process, visit ADA.org/memberprofile. Only active licensed dentist members will be displayed in the ADA Find-a-Dentist search results for consumers. Get your photo and information in front of the 20,000 visitors who use the Find-a-Dentist search function every month.
The GDA will once again email exclusive political insights to GDA members during the state legislative session that starts January 13, 2014. If you are not receiving GDA broadcast emails, please share your best email address with the GDA office—the email account you read most often! The GDA will treat your inbox with respect and send you only information that the leadership believes will help you help your patients and profession. Send your email to Delaine Hall at hall@gadental.org.
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Your GDA Public Relations Committee encourages members to update your ADA Find-a-Dentist profile. Patients can only view the information you update! Visit ADA.org/memberprofile.
2014 ELECTIONS GDA Alert All state elected officials are up for re-election in 2014. What makes this
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particular election a bit more newsworthy is the change in the election calendar by Federal Judge Steve C. Jones. The Court ordered calendar is as follows: • March 3-7, 2014: qualifying period • May 20, 2014: primary election • November 4, 2014: general election • January 6, 2015: general runoff election One obvious implication for this earlier election calendar is with those current legislators and the current governor that are running for re-election. While the legislature is in session, elected officials cannot raise money for their campaign but non-elected persons can continue to raise money while the legislature is in session. This will prove to be a huge motivator for getting the 40-day session over as quickly as possible. The GDA will need strong turnouts at each GDA LAW Day to make an impression on distracted and time-crunched legislators. Please email greene@gadental.org if you have not registered for a Wednesday during January, February, or March and sign up!
LEADERSHIP GDA Welcome Members Past President Mike Vernon established Leadership GDA in 2011 as a way to help dentists learn more about the workings of the GDA and be prepared to guide others who want to become involved. The program is meant identify dentists who seek to be in leadership positions and give them the opportunity to grow and have their questions answered. Leadership GDA participants are invited to attend GDA board and governance events and LAW Days, and are encouraged to complete an American Dental Association orientation course. Attendees are also invited to attend an orientation event at the GDA office. The GDA extends kudos to the Leadership GDA Class of 2014 and wishes them well on their leadership journey! Dr. Matthew Benson (Northern) Dr. Kristina Dawson (Northern) Dr. Kay Kalantari (Northwestern)
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Dr. Rishi Kapur (Northern) Dr. John Iaculli (Northern) Dr. Amy Kuhmichel (Northern) Dr. Robert McGhee (Northwestern) Dr. Hannah Oh (Northern) Dr. Paul Schaner (Northwestern) Dr. Shannon Thorsteinson (Northern) Dr. Paul Trotter (Eastern)
AMALGAM RECOVERY ADA Endorsement ADA Business Resources has chosen HealthFirst as its endorsed amalgam recovery service provider for ADA members. ADA members will have the exclusive benefit of significant savings, a lifetime warranty on Rebec Environmental amalgam separators, and an indemnification for wastewater pollution fines. ADA members looking for a cost-effective, reliable, environmentally friendly, turn-key solution for amalgam recovery can contact HealthFirst at (888) 963-6787 or visit http://www.healthfirst.com/ada. Although there has not been an official declaration that the ADA and the EPA have finalized any language as it pertains to this issue, the fact that this information has recently been provided through the ADA Business Resources clearly demonstrates that whatever final position is taken, the ADA has elected to make this resource available to all of its membership in the form of an “endorsed” company that meets all of the necessary criteria to be in compliance with regard to Amalgam Waste Recovery. GDA members are encouraged to avail themselves of the resources provided by HealthFirst, including learning more about how to properly collect and dispose of amalgam wastewater within their practices.
He completed a residency in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Georgetown University Medical Center. He was an American Dental Association Life Member. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Atlanta and the American Cancer Society. William F. Helms Jr., DDS, of Gainesville (Northern District) who died December 11, 2013, at the age of 66. He was a 1972 Emory University School of Dentistry graduate and a practicing orthodontist. He was an American Dental Association Life Member. Hugh N. Mazzawi, DMD, of Snellville (Northern District) who died January 11, 2014, at the age of 70. He was a 1967 graduate of the Emory University dental school and a general dentist. His spouse, Dr. Anne Mazzawi, and five of his children are dentists, as are one daughter-in-law and a nephew. Memorial
contributions may be sent to the Drs. Hugh and Anne Mazzawi Scholarship Fund of the Emile T. Fisher Foundation, PO Box 1204, Rome, GA 30162 or www.fisherdentaleducation.org.
DENTISTS In Memoriam The GDA extends sympathy to the family and colleagues of the following individuals. James D. Anderson Jr., DDS, of Atlanta who died November 18, 2013, at the age of 65. He was a 1975 Emory University School of Dentistry graduate. GDA ACTION JANUARY 2014
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Because We Love You: 30 Things You Can Do to Stay in Compliance with HIPAA Laney Kay, JD
GDA Members! A guide to the new HIPAA guidelines was published in the March 2013 GDA Action. Read that article at www.gadental.org. Click the green For Members button, then click the GDA Action Journal link. Since the new HIPAA regulations went into effect in 2013, we’ve seen a lot of incorrect and scary information about what dentists are required to do in order to comply. Here are some lists I have a compiled that hit the big areas we need to cover in order to be compliant with both the HIPAA Privacy and Security regulations. The most important key when it comes to HIPAA compliance is to make sure you establish a program and then regularly maintain it. That means you can’t just fill out the manual and forget about it. You need to regularly evaluate patient information safety, provide regular risk assessments, have regular training sessions, and document all of it. Possible penalties of up to $1.5 million per information breach incident are at least partially based on the office’s effort to effectively maintain the program, so the effort is a worthwhile investment apart from being required.
HIPAA DOES NOT REQUIRE YOU TO DO THIS Despite what you may have heard in webinars, conferences, or via sales solicitations, HIPAA regulations do not require you to do any of the following: • Build glass partitions at your front desk to prevent patients from overhearing other patients’ information, or completely reconfigure your office if you have an open bay system. • Take down pictures of child or adult patients from your office hallways or bulletin boards. As part of the original paperwork patients complete with your office, have
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patients sign an authorization if they will allow the use of their images or the images of their children to be used in your office or online (your web site, your Facebook page, etc.) At that point, if a parent doesn’t want their kids’ images used, or want their image used, they will let you know.
used! The manual that you select should have forms and policies you can configure for use in your office. (Editor’s note: The American Dental Association sells a “Complete HIPAA Compliance Kit” (J598) at www.ADACatalog.com that includes a manual, training CD-ROM, and a three-year update service.)
• Get other doctors and specialists to sign a Business Associate agreement. You also don’t have to have complete a Business Associate agreement with insurance companies, dental labs, or pharmacies. (A Business Associate is an entity that requires access to your patients’ private health information on a routine basis as part of performing tasks apart from the above, such as consultants, lawyers, accountants, shredding companies, dental software companies, and billing services.)
3) Develop privacy policies and a Notice of Privacy Practices. Post these in your office and make copies to hand out to patients.
• Be paperless. Unless a significant portion of your practice consists of caring for Medicaid or Medicare patients, you are not required to be paperless. If you do participate at all in Medicaid or Medicare, contact officials with these entities to ensure you are in compliance with their paperless requirements. Otherwise, you may see a yearly reduction in reimbursement.
HIPAA DOES REQUIRE YOU TO DO THIS These checklists are not comprehensive, but do cover most of the big areas we have to worry about in dentistry. We hope you find these checklists helpful and that they take some of the mystery out of compliance. 10 HIPAA Program Things to Do
4) Make sure all employees receive HIPAA training at the time of initial employment and at regular intervals as needed in your office. Document all training and place it in your manual. 5) One method to help avoid the largest penalties is to consistently maintain your program. Perform regular risk assessments and audits, have regular training meetings, and document your efforts. The more you can demonstrate that you are constantly trying to maintain the privacy of patient information, the less severe the consequences may be in the event of a problem. 6) Make sure employees understand the idea of disclosing only the “minimum amount necessary” when discussing or disclosing private health information. DO NOT talk about patients’ private health information outside the office! Make sure employees also understand that improper use of patient private health information can lead to dismissal, as well as potential fines and criminal prosecution under HIPAA regulations.
1) Assign a HIPAA Privacy and Security officer to oversee the program. 2) Order a compliance manual, open it, and fill it out. The manual is not helpful if it’s wrapped in cellophane and never
HIPAA Continued on page 18
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Where Dentistry Stands with the Affordable Care Act Barrels of ink and hundreds of hours have been devoted to the discussion of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), or ObamaCare, its unofficial moniker. As predicted by many, the Federal government’s web site was not ready in a timely manner nor easily navigated by consumers. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sibelius has been on the hot seat with the media and with Congress enduring hours of very pointed questions about the failure of the process. Couple these snafus with the realization that many who had individual plans they were happy with would lose their coverage, and it’s no wonder the negative press for President Obama and his administration is rampant. The administration placed a short delay on the cancellation of individual plans but everyone is aware that this is just kicking the can down the road. So, where does dentistry stand with all of this?
Effects of the ACA on Dentistry In an effort to explain the implications to member dentists, the ADA published a series of informative documents that can be accessed via www.ada.org. The following information is designed to provide the bottom line to dentists concerning ObamaCare. For more details consult the ADA’s articles on their web site.
Does the ACA Mandate Dental Coverage? Dental coverage for children (under age 19) is a mandated offering but not a mandated purchase within the exchanges. However, in the individual and small group markets outside the exchange, the dental benefit must be purchased. There is no requirement for adult coverage. After January 1, 2014, all individual and small group market plans inside and outside the exchange must be certified as “qualified health plans” except for stand-alone dental plans. Qualified health plans must provide for all Essential Health Benefits and pediatric dental services are included as an EHB. The GDA is continuing to
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research information about dental plans being provided through the exchanges. While this might not be the entire list, we found the following are participating in Georgia: • Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield • Delta Dental Insurance Company • Renaissance Dental • Humana Insurance Company • Dentegra Insurance Company
Am I Required to Provide Health Insurance for My Employees? The ACA does not require small businesses with fewer than 50 full-time employees to provide health insurance. More than 99 percent of dental practices have fewer than 50 employees. Small business employers who pay at least 50 percent of the premium for employee coverage may qualify for a small business tax credit. You must have fewer than 25 full-time equivalent employees whose average annual per-employee wage does not exceed $50,000. These tax credits disappear after 2016.
What Other Financial Implications Are There for Dentists? To help pay for the ACA several new taxes have been instituted: • The 2.3 percent medical device excise tax took effect on January 1, 2013. The ADA has worked to repeal this portion of the ACA, but to no avail. Dentists are not required to collect this tax but are likely to feel an impact financially as prices may increase on certain medical devices purchased for the dental practice, which ultimately increases the cost of health care to consumers. • Flexible spending accounts are now limited beginning in 2013 to $2,500 a year to increase annually by a cost-of-living adjustment. • Also starting in 2013, there is a 0.9 percent payroll surtax on wage and salary income over $200,000 for single
filers or $250,000 for joint filers. The Medicare tax also increased in 2013 and the rate for self-employed persons increased from 2.9 to 3.8 percent. • Beginning in 2013, a 3.8 percent tax on some investment income (rents, dividends, interest, royalties and capital gains on property sales) was enacted for those whose modified adjusted gross income exceeds $200,000 for single and $250,000 for joint filers.
Are There Any Other Requirements Impacting Me as Either a Provider of Health Care or a Small Business Employer? The ACA amended the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) by stating that by October 1, 2013, all employers covered by the FLSA (including dental offices) will have to provide to their employees a notice that informs them that there are new health insurance marketplace coverage options available. One notice is for those employers that offer a health plan to some or all employees and a second notice is for those employers that do not offer a health plan. Initially, it was interpreted by the ADA that this was a mandatory requirement and the GDA sent out a blast fax to all members informing them of this requirement and information on how to obtain the forms. However, the ADA later found that it was a ‘suggestion’ to do so. The GDA informed members that even though it is not mandatory, it is still a good business practice since the Department of Labor could at some time perform audits and make life difficult for dentist employers.
How Does the ACA Address Orthodontic and Pediatric Care? According to an article from Kaiser Health News, orthodontic care may or may not be covered. Under the health law, pediatric dental coverage is one of 10 “essential health benefits” that must be offered to people who shop for plans on the health insurance marketplaces. Depending on
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the state, dental coverage may be offered on a stand alone basis rather than as part of a regular health plan. An individual would not necessarily get dental insurance coverage unless a family buys a stand alone plan. Under the law, plans are required to cover only medically necessary orthodontia. States or insurers may define medical necessity differently. The New York Times ran an article on December 16, 2013, regarding issues with the ACA and pediatric dental care and how pediatric care is handled much differently from coverage of other essential benefits on federal and state exchanges. People shopping on the exchanges are not required to buy pediatric dental care and do not receive financial support for buying it. Some experts are warning that the flawed implementation of this benefit on the exchanges could leave millions of children without access to dental care. On the state and federal exchanges, children’s dental coverage generally comes in two forms. It may be “embedded” in medical insurance plans or sold separately in “stand alone” plans. Generally, it is the stand alone dental plans that worry policy
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experts and deter consumers on the exchanges. One problem: Stand alone dental plans don’t qualify for subsidies, as do medical plans on the exchange. Stand alone dental plans are also exempted from the law’s limits on out-of-
pocket expenses. While out-of-pocket maximums for health plans are capped at $12,700 per family, stand alone dental plans may have separate maximums of $700 per child to $1,400 for two or more children.
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GDA Volunteers Provide Dental Care Via the TeamSmile Program On December 6, 2013, members and staff of the Georgia Dental Association participated in a TeamSmile charitable outreach event at Fair Street Elementary School in Gainesville. TeamSmile is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to create connections between children’s service groups, dental professionals, professional sports organizations, and their athletes to provide underserved children with a life-changing dental experience in which the excitement of high profile sports reinforces the value of a life-long commitment to dental health care. This was the first time TeamSmile staged an event in Georgia. TeamSmile (www.teamsmile.org) is based out of Kansas City but travels to bring their program to cities with professional sports teams throughout the nation. The GDA served as a partner for the Georgia event along with the American Dental Association, ADA Foundation, CareCredit, Henry Schein, Dexis, and the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons. Volunteers provided 340 children with oral health education, screenings, and hygiene and / or restorative services. Each child also received a take home tote bag from Colgate which included a toothbrush, toothpaste, and educational materials. TeamSmile brought in a DJ to keep the kids entertained and also rolled out an inflatable sports center so the children could play ball while waiting. Atlanta Falcons tight ends Tony Gonzalez (#88), Levine Toilolo (#80), Mickey Shuler (#81), and Chase Coffman (#86) attended the event, met with the children at the school who received permission from their parents and guardians to receive dental care, and gave out Shadow Buddies dolls. These therapeutic dolls from The Shadow Buddies Foundation provide emotional support and education to children facing illness, disabil-
ity, or medical treatments. The Atlanta TeamSmile Shadow Buddie featured a figure in a Tony Gonzalez jersey holding a football just the right size for hiding lost teeth for the Tooth Fairy.
Dr. Doug Torbush and Atlanta Falcons mascot Freddie Falcon. The mascot visited and danced with the kids receiving dental care at Fair Street Elementary.
Some of the fantastic GDA member dentists who volunteered to make TeamSmile a success in Georgia! Shown are Drs. Salley, Wells, Field, Choy, Harvey, Brunner, Greenlea-Taylor, Torbush, Powell, and TeamSmile co-founder Dr. Bill Busch at far right.
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The GDA was pleased that several member dentists stepped up on short notice to volunteer to provide care. Thanks to Dr. Robert Brunner, Dr. Sunny Choy, Dr. Tom Field, Dr. Nancy Geller, Dr. Henry Goble, Dr. Judy Greenlea-Taylor, Dr. Don Harvey, Dr. James Hicks, Dr. Aksana Marshall, Dr. Margaret Pippin, Dr. Wes Powell, Dr. Tracy Rada-Johnson, Dr. Elizabeth Salley, Dr. Doug Torbush, and Dr. Erik Wells for spending their Friday working hard to reach out to children. As part of the dental health education offered to the children, TeamSmile utilized the 2min2x campaign created by the Ad Council to encourage them to spend two minutes brushing their teeth, two times a day. You can read more about this campaign at www.2min2x.org.
GDA member Dr. Aksana Marshall smiles with a child patient after six hours after dental screenings. (Photography supplied by Henry Schein.)
A young Fair Street patient with his Tony Gonzalez Shadow Buddie.
Fair Street Assistant Principal Kim Davis with Atlanta Falcons players Mickey Shuler, Levine Toilolo, Tony Gonzalez, and Chase Coffman. Principal William Campbell called the TeamSmile event “Miracle on Fair Street.�
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GDA Offers 22 Tips for Keeping Your Practice on Track in 2014 The GDA is here to keep you on track for 2014! The Association offers these selected tips for staying up to date on regulatory and practice issues for the coming year. Visit the GDA web site www.gadental.org for more tips on 2014 deadlines and details on regulations.
Workplace Posters: Get Them at No Charge State and federal governments require employers to post specific regulatory posters for employees to view. Dentists may obtain these posters by downloading and printing them using the web site links supplied below. Do not be mislead by companies that use scare tactics about fines to intimidate dental offices into buying packets of posters. The U.S. government requires employers to post notices about: 1) Employee Polygraph Protection 2) Equal Employment Opportunity 3) Fair Labor Standards Act 4) Job Safety and Health Protection 5) Rights Under the Family and Medical Leave Act (employers of 50+ individuals), and 6) Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act. Obtain them for free from the U.S. Department of Labor Web site www.dol.gov/oasam/ programs/osdbu/sbrefa/poster/matrix.htm. • Georgia requires dentists to place these workplace posters: 1) DOL-154 (Employer Vacation) 2) DOL-4107 (Equal Pay for Equal Work Act), and 3) DOL-810 (Unemployment Insurance for Employees). Obtain these posters at the state Department of Labor Web site www.dol.state.ga.us/ em/required_posters.htm. The state also requires you to post two Workers’ Comp notice posters:
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1) WC-P1 “Panel of Physicians” with a list of six physicians (one must be an orthopedic surgeon and one a minority, if feasible) and 2) WC-BOR “Bill of Rights for the Injured Worker.” Obtain them at http://sbwc.georgia.gov (click on “Forms” and then “Board Forms”). Note: The DC Circuit Court of Appeals has temporarily enjoined the National Labor Relations Board rule requiring the posting of a workplace poster advising employees of their rights under the National Labor Relations Act. The rule, scheduled to take effect on April 30, 2012, will not take effect until the legal issues are resolved. Posting at that time may be required by entities, including dental offices, with a gross annual volume of at least $250,000. See https://www.nlrb.gov/ poster for details.
Microsoft: Ending Server 3000 and XP Support After April 8, 2014, Windows XP will no longer be available, and neither will automatic security updates that help protect your PC. If you continue to use Windows XP, your computer might become more vulnerable to security risks and viruses. Microsoft released Windows XP in 2002 and the software remains popular—some 40 percent of PCs currently deploy the 11-year-old operating system. Windows Server 2003 support, including security updates and security-related hot fixes, will end 15 months later. The sunset date for Windows Server 2003 is July 14, 2015. If you continue to run these systems after the end of their support date you may run the risk of exposing your company’s private information to data breach. Contact your computer support company to inquire about updating your operating systems if necessary. Thanks to GMOM computer partner Advanced Automation for the heads up on this change. You can contact AA at (770) 448-5400 if you do not have a computer support company.
Excise Tax: What We Know To offset the cost of implementing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Congress has imposed a 2.3% excise tax on manufacturers of medical devices, including dental materials, products, and supplies. The GDA and ADA believe nothing in the tax will require dentists to report or file any documents with the IRS. However, dentists are likely to feel an impact financially as prices may increase on medical devices purchased for the dental practice. The ADA provided an excellent overview of the tax. Read the overview at: http://www.ada.org.
Injectable Pharmacological Training for Dentists Before treating a patient with injectable pharmacologics such as Restylane, Fillers, or Botox, Georgia dentists must complete a 21-hour Board of Dentistry-approved course that includes, at a minimum, advanced instruction in the anatomy of head and neck, neurophysiology, patient selection, pharmacological effect and contraindications, and management of complications. Once a dentist has taken an approved course, he or she should obtain a certificate of completion from the course administrator. Within 30 days of completing the course, the dentist must submit to the Board a certified copy of the certificate of course completion along with an application to be placed on the injectable pharmacologics registry. Dentists should be aware that administration of an injectable pharmacologic must be performed in connection with a dental procedure and in a dental treatment setting. Details on complying with the injectable pharmacologics rule and the registry requirements can be found on the Board of Dentistry’s web site at: http://gbd.georgia.gov. You can click the large blue “Applications and Forms” button at the top of the web page, then open the PDF named “Guidelines for Registration of Injectables.” You may also visit the regulatory section at www.gadental.org for additional information on the rule.
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PCI-Compliance: Does It Apply to Dentists?
CDT 2014: Newest Guide with Latest Revisions
PCI Compliance is a set of security practices agreed upon by Payment Card Industry Standards Council members and applied to merchants through their agreements with their credit card provider. The standards focus on protecting credit card numbers and deterring identify theft and are required of every merchant that accepts credit cards as a form of payment. The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS) is a list of 12 requirements that includes installing and maintaining a protective firewall, using anti-virus software, and encrypting the transmission of cardholder data, among others. You should discuss PCI-DSS with your payment gateway company. If you are working with TransFirst, the vendor endorsed by the GDA to enable your practice to accept credit cards and checks, you are already PCI compliant. With TransFirst all you must do to stay compliant at this time is to complete an annual PCI Questionnaire.
The American Dental Association publication “CDT 2014” contains the Code on Dental Procedures and Nomenclature, which is the standard for recording dental services in patient records, on paper claim forms, and on HIPAA standard electronic claim transactions. The “CDT 2014” contains 29 new procedure codes, 18 revised procedure codes, 4 deleted procedure codes, 7 changes to the subcategories and their descriptors, and a fillable 2012 ADA Dental Claim Form. The ADA worked with the American Association of Endodontists and the American Association of Orthodontists to update the endodontic and orthodontic sections. “CDT 2014” (order code J014) is available for $39.95 for ADA members and $59.95 for all others at www.adacatalog.com or by calling 1-800-947-4746. The ADA also offers the “Dental Coding Made Simple: Resource Guide and Training Manual, 2013-2014” to help dentists and their staff members understand the basics of today’s dental coding system. This book (order code J443) is available for
$49.95 to ADA members and $74.95 retail price. Members receive an additional discount when buying the two books together.
State Dental License Renewal Dentists and dental hygienists must next renew their state licenses by December 31, 2015. Dentists are required to obtain 40 hours of approved continuing education (22 hours for dental hygienists) as well as a current CPR certification within the next two years. Remember, dentists and dental hygienists can only obtain online continuing education for up to one-half of the total hours required for renewal. Visit the GDA web site at www.gadental.org and the Georgia Board of Dentistry web site at http://gbd.georgia.gov for additional details.
Sedation Permits: Do ACLS or PALS Satisfy CE Requirements? Under Board of Dentistry rules, a dentist who wishes to renew a sedation permit 22 TIPS Continued on page 16
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22 TIPS Continued from page 15 must take 4 hours of CE every 2 years in pharmacology, anesthesia, emergency medicine, or sedation. According to the Board, completion of ACLS does NOT count toward those 4 CE hours. While ACLS / PALS counts toward the dentist’s total 40 hours that must be earned for license renewal, it does not satisfy the 4 CE hours necessary to renew a sedation permit. The intent of the rule is to advance knowledge of sedation and ensure competency in preventing problems during sedation. ACLS advances knowledge in how to handle an emergent situation during sedation, not necessarily how to prevent it.
Coupon Web Sites and Dental Practice Marketing The Georgia Board of Dentistry has a rule against fee splitting. The rule provides that “[a] dentist shall not give rebates or split fees with a referral source.” Fee splitting generally refers to a situation where a
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dentist pays a fee to a third-party for referrals on a per patient basis or a percentage basis. The Board of Dentistry is currently working on providing more direct guidance on this issue; however, until that time, dentists should note that under the current rule it is possible that Groupon-type marketing models may be perceived as fee splitting. A dentist who receives payment from a federal program such as Medicaid or Medicare must tread with extreme caution before jumping on a Groupon-type marketing bandwagon. The federal Anti-Kickback statute prohibits a dentist or any provider from offering or paying remuneration to entice a person to refer a patient who may be eligible for services under a federal health care program, including Medicare or Medicaid. Because of the split of revenue between the dentist and the advertiser, like Groupon.com, for each patient referred, this arrangement could pose significant problems. Dentists should also ensure that their marketing efforts do not run afoul of the Board of Dentistry’s regulations on advertising.
Homeland Security Form I-9 and Georgia Immigration Requirements The Department of Homeland Security requires that every employer verify the identity and employment eligibility of every new employee at the time that employment begins. This includes all individuals employed by a dental office, but does not include independent contractors. Form I-9 was developed to verify that persons are eligible to work in the U.S. Each employee you hire must complete Form I-9 at the time he or she begins employment. Along with a completed Form I-9, each employee must also provide original documents that establish their identity and employment eligibility (acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, state driver’s license or ID card, U.S. Social Security card, and certified birth certificate. The employee may need to provide multiple documents). The employer must retain the completed form and copies of all eligibility documentation for three years from the date of hire and / or one year after the date employment ends, whichever is longer. Visit www.uscis.gov/files/ form/i-9.pdf for more details. Starting July 1, 2013, the final phase of the 2011 Georgia E-Verify law took effect, requiring private companies in Georgia with more than 10 employees to use the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s E-Verify system. Another point dentists should keep in mind is that local governments will not grant or renew a business license or other government certificate or permit for a private business, like a dental office, until it submits an affidavit certifying its enrollment in the E-Verify program or claims an exemption because it employs fewer than 10 employees. Georgia dentist employers would be well advised to review their employment verification policies/ procedures to ensure that their I-9, E-Verify and associated practices are fully compliant.
X-ray Regulations: Plan Ahead X-ray equipment located in dental offices is required to be registered with the Department of Community Health prior to initial operation. An approved registration requires submission of a registration application, an approved shielding design, and an initial inspection. Dentists who
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relocate their offices and x-ray equipment must re-register that x-ray equipment— relocations require a new application, shielding design, and initial inspection. Plan ahead—due to a backlog of inspections, the state’s X-ray Unit is approximately six weeks behind in completing initial inspections. Visit http://dch.georgia.gov (search the site for the term x-ray to find the relevant links) for additional information on registering your equipment.
OSHA Regulations Have you scheduled your annual OSHA update? Is your paperwork documenting training in order? Are MSDS sheets complete? Are your employee medical records up to date (Hepatitis B vaccination, history of exposure incidents, etc)? Are your hazardous chemicals properly labeled? Has your Hazard Communication Program been explained to staff? Is your Poster 3165 displayed? Are you aware of the new requirements regarding labeling and MSDS sheet training? If you need help with any of these requirements, contact Nelda Greene at the GDA office at greene@gadental.org. In addition, the
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ADA sells an OSHA Compliance Manual for dental offices via www.adacatalog.org.
Infection Control Guidelines: See the CDC A dentist’s license can be sanctioned for failing to comply with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendations for preventing the transmission of certain diseases. Visit www.cdc.gov to obtain a PDF copy of the CDC Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health Care Settings, 2003. The 2003 Guidelines (which are the latest ones) update and revise previous guidelines and consolidate recommendations from other relevant CDC guidelines. Do a search on the CDC web for the full title of the publication to find the correct page.
Address Changes: GDA and GDIS Keep your membership records current by informing the GDA office if you move your office or home, change your phone or fax number, or change your email address. Call (404) 636-7553 or (800) 432-4357, visit www.gadental.org and complete an
Information Update Form in the Update Member Listing page (see the drop down menu under the green For Members button), or email willich@gadental.org. If you are an insurance client of Georgia Dental Insurance Services please let them know about any practice or personal changes you make, such as moving an office location, which could affect your coverage. Call GDIS at (404) 636-7553 or (800) 432-4357.
Liability Coverage: Update Yours Inform your Business Owner’s Property and Professional Liability insurance carriers at least two weeks before you move your practice about your move and new location. Your policy may not cover you at your new location until you notify the insurer AND they accept the new risk. Georgia Dental Insurance Services clients: Call (800) 432-4357 or (404) 636-7553 with your changes. And if you received additional training in dental procedures or have discontinued doing certain 22 TIPS Continued on page 21
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HIPAA Continued from page 8
7) Perform regular risk assessments to evaluate how patients’ private health information is used, stored, and transmitted in the office. Take precautions to ensure that patients’ information is protected in the office as much as possible. These precautions can include shredding documents containing private health information, limiting patient physical access to information, locking doors, and using an office alarm. 8) Ensure you have policies and procedures in place in the event of a breach. Depending on the type of breach, notification must be provided to patients, the HIPAA folks, and in some cases, the local media. You need to be able to act fast to reduce any damages and mitigate any harm that may be caused by the breach, so policies and procedures are very important. 9) Make sure a plan is in place to ensure that patients’ information can be retrieved in the event of a disaster or emergency. 10) If an employee is terminated, ensure policies and procedures are in place to make sure that the locks are changed and access codes and passwords are changed to prevent future access to patients’ private health information. 8 HIPAA Privacy Program Things to Remember 1) Have patients sign an Acknowledgement of Receipt of Privacy Policies that show they received a copy of the policies and place the signed acknowledgement in the patients’ chart. (If the Privacy Policies are changed in the future, you are not required to have current patients sign a new acknowledgement; just post the new policies with the new changes and issue the new policy to all new patients.) 2) Set up authorizations for release of protected health information, as needed.
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This can include releases for the use of patient photos, or disclosure of information for financial purposes, or disclosures to certain family members, or disclosures if information is used for marketing purposes. 3) Patients have a right to limit the use of their information. For instance, if a patient asks you to place an appointment postcard in an envelope when sending them mail, or asks your office not to call them at work, those are reasonable requests to limit information. 4) Patients have a right to obtain a copy of their record, even if they owe you money. If they request a copy of their record from you, in writing, you must provide a copy within 30 days. Doctors holding on to patient records is one of the most common reasons that patients file HIPAA complaints. (Editor’s note: This requirement to provide a copy of a record to a patient is also codified in Georgia law. A patient must make the request in writing. A dental office must provide a complete copy of the record. The office may charge a reasonable fee for the copy of the record, within certain limitations. The dentist is required to maintain the original patient record and only provide the patient with a copy.) 5) Patients have a right to an accounting of disclosures for any disclosures not for treatment, payment, or regular health care operations. If you disclose information to a public health official, for example, you don’t have to get permission from the patient, but you do have to document that the disclosure was made, and the patient has a right to see a log of those disclosures. 6) You must have complaint procedures in place in the event a patient has a complaint. 7) Make sure all Business Associates are identified and a Business Associate agreement is in place. The agreement should specifically require a certain level of protection of patient information and should specify each party’s obligations in the event of a breach. Indemnification and notification (patients, the media, and HIPAA) must be addressed.
8) If you use social media, such as Facebook, or have an office web site, never mention private health information in a public forum. If a patient asks a personal question on social media, only answer privately. Also, make sure that patients have given written permission to post photos, videos, x-rays, etc. before you post them. 12 Security Program Things to Deal with NOW 1) Our most important goals are to prevent a breach a) because we want to and must protect our patients’ information and b) we want to and must protect our businesses because the penalties can be so harsh financially. Avoiding a breach is VERY important to us. Consider this: • Whenever a patient’s information is breached, the patient has to be notified. If the breach involves fewer than 500 people in a single geographic area, then the breach has to be logged and reported to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) at “the end of the year in which the breach was discovered,” and patients have to be notified as soon as possible. • If the breach involves more than 500 people in a single geographic area, you must notify HHS and your patients immediately and absolutely within 60 days of the breach. You must then notify the local media. This could involve calling the local television station, or sending a press release for publication to a newspaper that serves the affected area. • You also have to try to mitigate the situation as much as possible. When BlueCross BlueShield suffered a breach, they offered credit monitoring to 2.5 million patients for a year. Credit monitoring costs at least $10 a month per patient. Do the math. Add in notification costs, negative publicity costs, the hassle and stress of HIPAA coming in your office to investigate the breach, AND possible fines, and you are looking at an unbelievably expensive problem. HIPAA Continued on page 26
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Dentists: Train Employees on Revised OSHA Hazard Communication Standard Under its new Hazard Communication Standard, OSHA required that by December 1, 2013, dentists and other affected employers train employees regarding new label elements (pictograms, hazard statements, precautionary statements, signal words, and the like) and Material Safety Data Sheet formats to facilitate recognition and understanding. However, employers have until June 1, 2016, to update their alternative workplace labeling and hazard communication program as necessary, and provide additional employee training for newly identified physical or health hazards. Why is OSHA requiring training on materials that will not be standardized until much later? OSHA believes that American workplaces will soon begin to receive new labels and SDSs since many American and foreign chemical manufacturers have already begun to produce new labels. OSHA requires employers to ensure that their employees are familiar with new formats as they may roll out. The Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) is now aligned with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). This update to the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) will provide a common approach to classifying chemicals and communicating hazard information on labels and safety data sheets. Once implemented, the revised standard aims to improve the quality and consistency of hazard information in the workplace, making it safer for workers by providing easily
understandable information on appropriate handling and safe use of hazardous chemicals. In order to ensure chemical safety in the workplace, information about the identities and hazards of the chemicals must be available and understandable to workers. All employers with hazardous chemicals in their workplaces must have labels and safety data sheets for their exposed workers, and train them to handle the chemicals appropriately. Labels will change in several ways. Under the revised HCS, once the hazard classification is completed, the standard specifies what information is to be provided for each hazard class and category. New labels will require the following elements: • Pictogram: a symbol plus other graphic elements, such as a border, background pattern, or color that is intended to convey specific information about the hazards of a chemical. Each pictogram consists of a different symbol on a white background within a red square frame set on a point (i.e. a red diamond). There are nine pictograms under the GHS. However, only eight pictograms are required under the HCS. You may view the new pictograms at www.osha.gov. • Signal words: A single word used to indicate the relative level of severity of hazard and alert the reader to a potential hazard will be displayed on the label. The signal words used are “danger” and “warning.”
“Danger” is used for the more severe hazards, while “warning” is used for less severe hazards. • Hazard Statement: A statement assigned to a hazard class and category that describes the nature of the hazard(s) of a chemical, including, where appropriate, the degree of hazard will be displayed. • Precautionary Statement: A phrase that describes recommended measures to be taken to minimize or prevent adverse effects resulting from exposure to a hazardous chemical, or improper storage or handling of a hazardous chemical, will be included. The information required on the safety data sheet (SDS) will remain essentially the same as that in the current standard, which indicates what information has to be included on an SDS, but does not specify a format for presentation or order of information. The revised Hazard Communication Standard requires that the information on the SDS be presented using specific headings in a specified sequence. There will now be a specified 16-section format. To order up-to-date OSHA compliance manuals and keep abreast of changes to OSHA regulations, you may call the American Dental Association Member Service Center at (800) 947-4746 or visit ADAcatalog.org and search for OSHA compliance. You may also visit www.osha.gov for additional information.
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22 TIPS Continued from page 17 procedures, notify your professional liability carrier, as you just changed the risk the company is insuring. The same would be true if you have changed from full time to part time or vice versa.
Insurance Policies: Set Up Reminders Greet 2014 with all of your policies kept in a secure location. Create a separate list of policy numbers, renewal dates, and claims department contact details in case you make a claim. Always pay your premiums promptly prior to the renewal date to avoid lapses in coverage or late payment penalties. If your mailing address has changed, notify all of your carriers so bills arrive at the correct location. Remember to increase your insured exposure limits if the value of your business property has increased from last year from purchases made since the last policy renewal. Finally, review your medical insurance plan if you recently utilized it so you are aware of any limitations or requirements.
Business Brief Videos Keep You Informed Do you want learn more about dental business topics such as how to bill PPOs, discipline an employee, ask questions of prospective staff members, or protect your online reputation in three minutes or less? You need to receive the GDA’s new Association Business Brief emails for GDA member dentists. The briefs are short, information-packed videos delivered via email twice a month that address business issues dentists face within their practices. If you are not receiving these emails, please submit your email address to Delaine Hall at hall@gadental.org.
Get Patient Collections on Track for 2014 In an ideal world, patients would always provide their correct, updated insurance information at point of service. Carriers would always process and respond to claims filed within 45 days. Patients would always pay their balances within 30 days of receiving their first bill. Unfortunately the world is far from ideal. How your practice manages its receivables and follow up has
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a huge impact on profitability. Consider utilizing a vendor that provides third party follow up on unresolved insurance claims and patient accounts for a fixed fee per account on claims and accounts that aren’t paid promptly and require this additional service. An “early out” collection agency can afford to be diplomatic and inexpensive, so that younger receivables can be assigned for third party collections and recoverability increased. This can result in increased collections at a lower cost and without loss of the doctor / patient relationship. The GDA endorses TransWorld Systems to provide your practice with better tools for accounts receivable, debt recovery, and past due accounts. Call (404) 5386099 or visit www.transworldsystems.com/ gda.html.
Amalgam Recovery: Get Covered ADA Business Resources has chosen HealthFirst as its endorsed amalgam recovery service provider for ADA members. ADA members will have the exclusive benefit of significant savings, a lifetime warranty on Rebec Environmental amalgam separators, and an indemnification for wastewater pollution fines. ADA members looking for a cost-effective, reliable, environmentally friendly, turn-key solution for amalgam recovery can contact HealthFirst at (888) 963-6787 or visit http://www.healthfirst.com/ada. The ADA has elected to make this resource available to all of its membership in the form of an “endorsed” company that meets all of the necessary criteria to be in compliance with regard to Amalgam Waste Recovery.
Join the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program Dentists may register for the Georgia Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) to track how patients use their prescriptions and discover, among other things, if patients are drug shopping. One dentist who recently joined the system found that multiple prescriptions for controlled substances had been issued under his name without his knowledge. He subsequently discovered that a staff member had forged several prescriptions using his prescription authority. Accessing this system can provide peace of mind for dentists as well as pharmacists. For step by step instructions on how to register, visit
www.gadental.org. Click the green For Members button then click Regulatory Issues.
Pharmacy Security Paper: What to Buy As of July 1, 2013, dentists are no longer required to write prescriptions on security prescription paper or pads affixed with the seal of the state Board of Pharmacy. Thanks to the GDA-supported House Bill 209, prescribing dentists may now use EITHER the Pharmacy Board approved paper / pads OR prescription paper / pads that meet Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services standards. The CMS-standards paper is easier, and less expensive, to obtain. GDA members with questions about this change may contact Melana McClatchey at the GDA office at (404) 636-7553 or (800) 432-4357.
Get Data Breach Coverage from Your GDIS As you read on page 26, a breach of a patient’s Personally Identifiable Information or Protected Health Information can result in notification costs, negative publicity costs, and possible fines levied by HIPAA—a huge expense! The purchase of cyber liability coverage from Georgia Dental Insurance Services and The Hartford could mitigate that concern for your practice. GDIS clients: In order to purchase cyber liability coverage you must also have a Hartford property policy in force or make this coverage an endorsement to a policy you will purchase through The Hartford. The cost of cyber liability coverage can start at around $500 per year. Costs will vary according to the size of your practice and other risk factors, such as the sensitivity of the data in your possession, the controls you already have in place to protect patient information, and the limits of coverage that you select. A GDIS representative can help you determine the cost of this valuable coverage for your practice. Call (800) 432-4357 or (404) 636-7553.
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classified ads How GDA members can place classified ads AD FORM: Submit all ads on a GDA Classified Advertisement Form. To obtain a form, call Skip Jones at (800) 432-4357 or (404) 636-7553, or email jones@gadental.org. (Note: The GDA may accept or reject any ad for any reason and in its sole discretion.)
AD DEADLINE: Ads and ad check payments are due by the first of the month before the publication month (i.e., Dec. 1 for January).
AD RATES: ADA member dentists pay $75.00 per 60-word ad per month. There is a 25 cents per-word charge for each word over 60. Non-dentist-owned companies (real estate firms, etc.) pay $195 per 60-word ad per month (additional word charges as above). Non-member dentists may not place ads.
LATE FEE: Ads for which full prepayment is not received by the first day of the ad’s publication month (i.e.; Nov. 1 for a November ad) will incur a $25 late fee in addition to the ad rate.
FORMS OF PAYMENT: Submit a check or money order with the ad form. (Make checks payable to GDA.) Credit cards are not accepted as payment.
WEB SITE PLACEMENT: Prepaid ads will appear on the GDA Web site www.gadental.org for the month the ad appears in print. Non-prepaid ads will NOT be placed online.
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Dentists Available for Locum Tenens Dentist will fill in for illness, vacation, or continuing education. Licensed, insured, DEA #. Call (404) 786-0229 or email breighard@gmail.com. DENTIST: Need Part Time Fill In? Vacation, Illness, Maternity? GENERAL DENTIST SOLD LONG ESTABLISHED PRACTICE. GA & DEA LICENSED. (Available Expanded Atlanta Area.) Cell: (404) 219-4097. Home: (404) 842-1196. Jesse Hader, DDS. Dentist available during emergencies, vacation, CDE courses. I have a current license, DEA certificate, and insurance. Contact me at (706) 291-2254 or cell (706) 802-7760. I hope I can be of service to you. Patrick A. Parrino, DDS, MAGD.
Dental Equipment for Sale FOR SALE: Planmeca EC Panoramic XRay—asking $4500; 2 Adec 5580 Rear Cabinets—asking $3500 each; AirTech Vacstar 50 Evacuator system—asking $600. Must sell; all offers considered. Email offers and questions to admin@westcobbdentaldesigns.com.
Dental Positions Available Pediatric Associate Needed: For group practice. Associate / Buy In. Serving 3 practice locations in Southwest GA. Email jpjohnson423@gmail.com. General dentist needed for group practice Associate / Buy In. Serving 3 practice locations in SW Georgia. Email jpjohnson423@gmail.com. Buckhead general dentistry practice seeks dental associate in busy, well established practice. Applicants should be knowledgeable and professional in all areas of general dentistry. For details call (404) 261-5388 or email inquiries to piedmontdentists@yahoo.com.
Pediatric Dentist Needed: We have an outstanding full time opportunity for a Pediatric Dentist / General Dentist (would require a minimum of at least 3 years’ experience in pediatric dentistry) in our successful, well-respected, quality-oriented private pediatric dental practice for the right candidate. We are seeking a special, motivated, personable, full-time pediatric dentist to join in our success. We are a booming practice with tremendous growth and earning potential. We offer in office sedation. We offer excellent compensation and benefits. For more information, please contact Dr. Vishant Nath at (678) 763-2600 or email drnath@kidshappyteeth.com or you can contact Amanda at (678) 352-1090 / (678) 429-9931 or amanda@kidshappyteeth.com. We are seeking a reliable and personable general dentist part to full time in Marietta private family practice. Dentist should have some experience. Buy in opportunity available. Please call Bill at (404) 272-7568 or Fax resume to (770) 984-9256. ATLANTA—ASSOCIATE DENTIST, ENDODONTIST, and PERIODONTIST NEEDED. We currently have three positions available in our quality-oriented, well-established group practice with multiple locations. This is a very lucrative opportunity for an experienced candidate with good interpersonal skills. Large patient / referral base with abundant new patients each month. Well appointed, beautiful office including CAD / CAM and the latest technology for general dentistry, state of the art surgical suites for periodontics, and new microscope for endodontics. We have successful systems in place, including an exceptional team of assistants and support staff. Come be a part of our team and join us in creating an atmosphere of excellence, fun, and productivity. Email resumes to 1careerinfo@gmail.com.
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Princeton Dental Group Loganville an award winning, rapidly growing practice seeks a long term associate general dentist. High earning potential for a motivated dentist and an equity position for the right person (FFS and PPOs only). Work directly with other general dentists and specialists in an all digital practice with ability to focus on dentistry backed by our outstanding support staff. Full Benefits package includes: medical, vision, disability, etc. with FSA and excellent retirement plan. Send C.V. or resume to Dale Bailey at dbailey@princetondental.com. Orthodontist Needed: Multi-office general practice is seeking an orthodontist for 2-3 days a week to start and develop our orthodontic department. Position may turn into full time in future. Associate must be willing to travel between Marietta, Woodstock, and Fairmount locations. Minimum 3 years of experience required. Please email resumes to rezaalemzadeh@hotmail.com.
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NORTH GWINNETT / ENDODONTIST NEEDED: Twenty year old practice with brand new office seeks Endodontist two or three days per month. Rotary Hand piece, Schick 33 digital x-rays, receptionist, and assistant already available. Great place to start your new endodontic practice or for established specialist to add satellite location. To see location and office pictures: www.SugarhillDentist.com Contact DrBridgett@gmail.com for more details. Dentist Opportunities: Copperhill, TN / McCaysville, GA. Dental Partners is one of the fastest growing family dental practice groups in the Southeast. We give you the ability to focus on patient care while earning a base of $125K-$200K and the opportunity to earn more based on production. Benefits package of medical / vision / life / FSA, 401K, professional liability, and yearly CE allowance. Relocation and student loan repayment assistance program available. Email resume to areimiller@dental-partners.com or call Ashley Reimiller, Director of People Development (321) 574-8003.
Full or Part-Time General Dentist needed for a well-established practice in Atlanta suburb with opportunity for future buy-out. Please fax CV or resume to (678) 306-0630 or call (404) 740-9797. GEORGIA—ATLANTA. Multiple pediatric dental offices in Metro Atlanta are seeking pediatric dentist and general dentist to work in an extremely successful, expanding business. We offer a team motivated working environment and a competitive salary. We believe in a high level of patient and parent education and making sure that children have an excellent dental experience at each visit. Our practice provides all levels of care, including oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia at local hospitals. Candidate must have excellent communication skills and be enthusiastic and motivated. For more information please call (678) 923-4466 or email brian.friedman@ dentistry4children.com. Visit our web site at www.dentistry4children.com.
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Exciting opportunity for dentist to provide children with dental care in Georgia schools. No evenings or weekends. Apply at www.smileprograms.com.
Dental Practices / Office Space Available Dental Space Available! Duluth, GA— Already built-out and plumbed with dental equipment! Convenient location located off Sugarloaf Parkway near I-85. Built in 2007. Up to 6 operatories if needed, sterilization, consultation room, kitchen, front office, and private doctor office. Split design dental space, perfect for new dentist or specialist satellite office. Upscale building in a high growth area with excellent demographics. Move in ready! Contact Aubrey Scher at (404) 384-8800
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Dental Space for Specialist in Greater Atlanta! Stockbridge, Fayetteville, Duluth, Dunwoody, Woodstock, Stone Mtn, and Riverdale locations. Ideal for Pediatric Dentist, Periodontist, Endodontist, or Oral Surgeon looking to add satellite location or new startup. Already plumbed & fully equipped with 5 operatories and room for 2-3 more. Save time & build-out costs! Contact us at: dentalspecialist2@gmail.com.
Gainesville, Georgia (Hall County) Orthodontist practice available. Practice since 1983 of Dr. Bill Helms (deceased). Located adjoining Brenau College campus in vintage home with 2 exam rooms and upstairs apartment. Ideal for solo dentist or large firm wishing to expand into North Georgia market. Address is 424 Academy St NE or contact John Rogers (678) 725-1019 or john.js.rogers@gmail.com.
SPACE SHARING OR PT ASSOCIATE— East Cobb. New facility; 14 yo practice— 5 equipped, latest technology. FFS, Comprehensive Dentistry. Surgery Suite for sedation. Solo, GP looking for a GP or SPECIALIST interested in SPACE SHARING for 1-3 days a week OR will consider ASSOCIATE for 1-3 d/wk. Ability to do endo and impacted 3rds a plus. Email cover letter with goals, resume, and contact number to 2thmom@gmail.com.
Former Ortho Suite Available with Courtyard Views! Located in North Cobb. This 2000 SF Office (w/Large Windows) is fully plumbed and equipped. Potential for Large Ortho referral base from adjacent Pediatric dental practice. Floor plan features 2 Restrooms, 6 Operatories plus 2 Consults, Private Doctors’ suite, Hygiene Prep, Lab, & Steri-Center all include Built-Ins. All utilities are included. Flexible Lease Available. Contact Mike at (404) 509-4146 or mike@morceauproperties.com.
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For Sale: High Net Practice. $850,000 gross, 4 ops, FFS & INS < 1% PPO. Excellent location to raise a family. Atlanta 2 1/2 hours, Beach 2 1/2 hours, Mountains 3 hours. Call Bill Morris at (678) 725-6459. Beautiful turnkey dental practice for lease. With or without equipment. Five fully operatories, lab, private consult room, pano room, etc. Recently renovated professional building. Great medical walk by patient traffic with covered attached parking. A must see. Great for a move to upgrade your current location or for dental specialist or as a satellite practice. Please call Dr. Priti Bloor at (404) 259-1812. GWINNETT COUNTY: 6 ops, general practice, completely digital and paperless for sale. Excellent visibility in a busy area. For more information, please visit www.southeasttransitions.com, call (678) 482-7305 or email amanda@ southeasttransitions.com and reference listing ID #GA1042.
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MACON AREA: Well established, all FFS, 3 operatory practice collecting $300K+ annually. For more information, please visit www.southeasttransitions.com, call (678) 482-7305 or email amanda@ southeasttransitions.com and reference listing ID #GA1041. ROCKDALE COUNTY: PPO and FFS practice collecting $50K per year. Mostly crown and bridge, referring out most Endo. The doctor would like to transition over 6 months and the staff will stay. 5 treatment rooms, (4 equipped.) Office located in a medical facility and lease is assignable. For more information, please visit www.southeasttransitions.com, call (678) 482-7305 or email amanda@southeasttransitions.com and reference listing ID #GA1045.
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HIPAA Continued from page 18 2) In my opinion, the most important thing you can do to prevent a significant breach of patient information is to encrypt your hard drive. Most breaches in dental offices and other small health care environments occur when a computer is stolen, or a smartphone with access to patient information is lost or stolen, or a portable drive is lost or stolen. If such an event happens and the hard drive of the device is not encrypted, that incident becomes a reportable breach. Although encrypted passwords, protective firewalls and software, and other protections may be sufficient to provide protection under normal circumstances, they are NOT sufficient to prevent a breach if a computer is stolen. Bottom line, if the hard drive is encrypted, it’s not a reportable breach. If it’s not encrypted, it’s a reportable breach. 3) Computers must be protected with software to guard against malware and viruses as well as firewalls, passwords, and whatever other protective methods are necessary in your office to protect private health information. All hard drives should be encrypted (see above) in order to prevent a breach in the event of theft or loss of an electronic device. 4) Physical access to computer workstations should be limited to only those who should have access. If computer workstations are accessible to patients or others who should not have access, additional precautions must be taken to ensure that private health information cannot be accessed. For example, a computer in a consultation room must have limited access to private health information and monitors should be placed so that displayed information is not easily viewed by others. 5) If you offer wi-fi in the office for patient use, make sure it is on a different router than the one used for patient information. Password protect both wi-fi routers. 6) Assign employees and Business Associates with unique passwords that they must use when accessing patient information on practice computers.
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Address screen savers, automatic log-offs, Internet use, and other potential computer security issues in your policies and procedures.
11) Private health information must be transmitted securely. E-mails should be encrypted or properly protected if you are transmitting private health information.
7) You must develop policies and procedures for the use of portable devices, including smartphones, tablets, and backup devices, to ensure they are not lost or improperly accessed.
12) Any changes or updates in your computer system should be documented and the documentation placed in your HIPAA manual. Consider requiring your information technology vendor to document all work done on a dedicated form that you date and place in your manual. This shows that your system is being maintained and protected on a regular basis.
8) Policies and procedures must be developed for any electronic information that is backed up. Can you address how electronic information is accessed and stored? Where the data is kept? How many devices there are? How the data is secured? 9) You must address how computer hardware is used, stored, and destroyed in the office. 10) Schedule regular audits and review access reports to ensure the safety of your patient information and to ensure that data hasn’t been improperly accessed. Any security incidents should be logged whether they resulted in improper access or not.
Laney Kay, JD, of Entertaining Training, LLC, has been writing and speaking on technical and regulatory topics and women’s issues since 1989. Her expertise is in taking very complex and / or incredibly boring topics and making them fun and informative. She has written many articles for state and national journals and has taught courses at multiple Hinman Dental Society and American Dental Association meetings as well as at many other national, state, and district meetings, study clubs, and individual offices all over the country.
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Inside This Issue • Reserve Your Room for the 2014 Annual Meeting • GDA Offers 22 Tips on Keeping Your Practice on Track in 2014
DATED MATERIAL PLEASE DELIVER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
ACTION
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