Federally mandated preventive and other dental care typically ends when Medicaid patients enter early adulthood, according to the report. Medicaid pays for adults’ ER visits for dental emergencies, but coverage of outpatient dentist office treatment varies by state.
Many adult Medicaid enrollees have thus turned to the ER for dental care. However, ER physicians are not trained to pull teeth or treat other dental problems. In addition, ER visits typically cost Medicaid more than a dentist office visit, according to the report.
Related Articles on Emergency Rooms:
Emergency Department Visits Increase as Physician Office Visits Decrease
ER Visits in Iowa Hospitals Increase Due to Wintry Weather
SSM Health Care in St. Louis Offers “Place-in-Line” ER Service
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.
