More management and insurance knowledge in my newsletter: https://www.odysseymgmt.com/newsletter

Leslie Icenogle, CPC, a leading medical-dental billing expert, shared her strategies to maximize your dental revenue through proper medical coding. From documenting procedures correctly to navigating Medicare's maze, she breaks it down for me. She also shared how a chance encounter at a post office led to significant patient benefits - it’s a great story! It demonstrates how proper medical billing can dramatically impact patients. Most importantly, she revealed why many dental offices are leaving money on the table by not exploring medical billing options. You know I perked up about that topic!

FROM LESLIE, A CLARIFICATION ON ONE POINT:

Medicare Part B, DME-covered appliances (with an actual sleep apnea diagnosis, MD referral, an appliance that meets their criteria, etc.):

• Non-participating DMEPOS suppliers can accept assignment on a case-by-case basis: If you do NOT accept assignment: There is a Medicare stipulation for DME providers only, which says if you are enrolled as a non-participating DME provider and assign benefits to the patient, you may collect your fees in full from the patient. In this case, and this case only, you are not limited to the Medicare allowable.
• If you DO accept assignment: Medicare will pay 95% of the limiting fee, and you can collect/charge up to 15% above that fee. (Take the limiting fee (say $3,000) times 95% ($2,850), then times 115% ($3,277.50). In this example, you would charge the patient $3,277.50 and no more—since you accepted the assignment on this case.) The EOMB would tell you that (what the deductible and co-insurance amount is)--as I am sure you know.

Participating suppliers that accept assignment are limited to Medicare's approved amount for that appliance.

Connect with Leslie

Dental Classroom Online: https://www.dentalclassroomonline.com/

Use ODYSSEY for a 10% courtesy

Email: leslie@dentalclassroomonline.com

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I created Dental Revenue Network to foster collaboration and networking amongst RCM professionals. Billing company owners and billing professionals will have access to skill building sessions, current carrier news and insurance discussions beyond “what's the code?" Check it out - I hope you'll join! https://dentalrevenuenetwork.mn.co/

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Synergy Dental Partners offers lower prices for your dental supplies and services

https://www.odysseymgmt.com/synergy

NTMT listeners receive a 2 Month Free Trial + a 3rd Month if you buy anything from any vendor during the trial period. Also, new Darby customers receive a $200 Darby statement credit with a purchase.

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My insurance course Dental Insurance Design and Management is geared toward those who want to understand the how and why of insurance. As a loyal podcast listener, please use "NTMT" for a $75 courtesy toward your investment.

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Visit odysseymgmt.com to check out my book, webinars and courses.

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Don’t forget to check out my other podcast Chew on This - A Dental Podcast!

**If you like the show then I’d appreciate a good rating. Tell your friends. Even podcasters ask for referrals!**

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@odysseymgmt

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Watch this episode on YouTube!

Ever wonder what happens when a sterilization tech becomes a practice optimizer for a 50-person dental office? I sat down with someone who lived that exact journey, and her insights might surprise you.

Meet Erika Pusillo, who shares her transformation from handling sterilization duties to optimizing one of Florida's leading dental practices. Our conversation touched on the challenges and triumphs of managing a large dental team, including the delicate balance of associate relationships and the art of keeping talented team members engaged. Erika opens up about her own moments of doubt, near-resignation, and ultimate growth into a respected practice leader and coach. I was impressed with her refreshingly honest perspective on feedback, humility, and what it really takes to evolve beyond the traditional office manager role. Whether you're managing two team members or fifty, her insights are invaluable for any dental practice leader.

Key Takeaways:

• Communication is crucial between practice owners and managers
• Regular check-ins (quarterly for doctors, every 3 months for team members) are vital
• Success requires going beyond the 9-5 mentality
• Create opportunities for growth within your existing structure
• Give first, monetize later when pursuing speaking/coaching

Additional Bulletproof Dental podcasts featuring Erika

• https://www.bulletproofdentalpractice.com/113-the-power-of-alignment-and-delegation-for-you-and-your-om-with-erika-pusillo/

• https://www.bulletproofdentalpractice.com/great-teams-start-with-great-leadership-werika-pusillo/

• https://www.bulletproofdentalpractice.com/top-3-things-your-om-should-be-doing-with-erika-pusillo/

Connect with Erika

Email: erika@spodakdental.com

Find her through: Spodak Dental and Bulletproof Dental Practice

https://www.spodakdental.com/

https://www.bulletproofdentalpractice.com/

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I created Dental Revenue Network to foster collaboration and networking amongst RCM professionals. Billing company owners and billing professionals will have access to skill building sessions, current carrier news and insurance discussions beyond “what's the code?" Check it out - I hope you'll join! https://dentalrevenuenetwork.mn.co/

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My insurance course Dental Insurance Design and Management is geared toward those who want to understand the how and why of insurance. As a loyal podcast listener, please use "NTMT" for a $75 courtesy toward your investment.

-------------

Visit odysseymgmt.com to check out my book, webinars and courses.

-------------

Don’t forget to check out my other podcast Chew on This - A Dental Podcast!

**If you like the show then I’d appreciate a good rating. Tell your friends. Even podcasters ask for referrals!**

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@odysseymgmt

Are you struggling to find the right office manager? It might be costing you more than you think!

In this episode, I’m sharing how to avoid the common hiring mistakes many dental practices make when choosing the perfect manager. I’ll explain why clear job descriptions are crucial, how to prevent overloading managers with unrealistic expectations, and the key traits to look for during the hiring process.

Key Takeaways:

• Clear job descriptions are essential to avoid overloading your office manager with unrealistic expectations.

• Focus on hiring the right manager by assessing key traits like communication skills, confidence, and problem-solving ability.

• Is promoting from within the right step?

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I created Dental Revenue Network to foster collaboration and networking amongst RCM professionals. Billing company owners and billing professionals will have access to skill building sessions, current carrier news and insurance discussions beyond “what's the code?" Check it out - I hope you'll join! https://dentalrevenuenetwork.mn.co/

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My insurance course is out! Dental Insurance Design and Management is geared toward those who want to understand the how and why of insurance. As a loyal podcast listener, please use "NTMT" for a $75 courtesy toward your investment.

-------------

Visit odysseymgmt.com to check out my book, webinars and courses.

-------------

Don’t forget to check out my other podcast Chew on This - A Dental Podcast!

**If you like the show then I’d appreciate a good rating. Tell your friends. Even podcasters ask for referrals!**

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@odysseymgmt