QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT CAPE COD DENTISTS CARE

1) What is Cape Cod Dentist Care?

Cape Cod Dentists Care (CCDC) is a Cape-wide initiative to connect low to moderate-income uninsured residents with dental care. There are two ways that dentists can participate. You may see a limited number of patients on a sliding fee scale basis in your office, or volunteer your services at a community dental center in Harwich or Hyannis. This packet describes the office-based option.

Key principles of the program are:
•Dentist may limit the number of patients they accept
•Patients must show up for appointments
•Patients must pay at the time of service
•Paperwork is minimized

2) How will patients be financially screened for need?

During the initial intake meeting, patients of CCDC will be financially screened by the Program Coordinator. Patients will provide documentation such as pay stubs and/or tax returns for all working members of the family to determine their financial status. Based on their earnings and percentage of the federal poverty level, they will be assigned to a Payment Category, which determines how much they will pay.

3) How will patients get linked to my office?

When a person who is in need of dental care meets the residency and income requirements, they will be assigned to a participating dentist in their geographic area. They will sign a Patient Agreement that reiterates key program elements, and the Program Coordinator will contact your office to schedule an appointment for the patient.

The Coordinator will call the patient with the date and time of their appointment. The patient will be told the amount they are obligated to pay at the time of service. The patient will also be reminded of the importance of being on time for their appointment.

4) How will I be paid for the services that I provide?

When the patient arrives at your office, they must show their CCDC "ID Card".The ID Card specifies the payment category to which they have been assigned. By referring to the Fee Schedule for the procedure and payment category, the amount due from the patient will be indicated. The patient is expected to pay at the time the services are rendered, unless your office has made other arrangements.

5) What if CCDC patients require specialized services?

If patients require specialized services, such as an extraction or root canal, that are not routinely performed in your office, you or the patient may contact the Program Coordinator who will make arrangements for assignment to a participating specialist.

6) What if CCDC patients do not show up for an appointment?

The philosophy of the CCDC program is to provide needed services at reduced cost to a population who agrees to be accountable for meeting basic program requirements. Patients must show up. Two "no show" incidents are grounds for termination.

7) Are MassHealth patients included in the program?

Yes, Effective, April 1, 2003, MassHealth no longer provides dental coverage for adults on MassHealth. They will be screened financially, assigned to a payment category, and will be asked to adhere to all program requirements.

8) Will my office be bombarded with calls from CCDC Patients?

No. Patients mush enter the CCDC program through the Program Coordinator and will not be able to call dental offices directly. The list of participating dentist will not be made public. If you do receive calls, please refer them to the Coordinator at (508)255-2163.

9) With whom do we speak if we have questions or concerns?

We encourage you to call Miriam Erickson, Program Coordinator at (508)255-2163, with any questions or concerns about CCDC, including any patient-provider issues that may occasionally arise.

Cape Cod Dentists Care is funded by the Oral Health Foundation, with additional support from Cape Cod Healthcare.