Credentialing FAQs
Some Questions and Answers About Credentialing and the Credentialing Application
Do you realize that some of the information being requested is sensitive?
Yes. The information received on these forms will be held in the strictest confidence. The information will not be released to any of our accounts or subscribers, except to say that the dentists listed in our participating dentist directories have met our credentialing requirements. This information is not entered into our claims processing system, but rather into a separate system that can be accessed by only a few key individuals in the Professional Relations department.
Why must we divulge information regarding our professional liability (malpractice) coverage?
This is one of the credentialing standards set by Delta Dentals Association (DDPA) and this information is routinely collected as part of this process. Most purchasers want an assurance that the physicians and dentists who participate in their programs carry adequate malpractice insurance. Once again, it should be pointed out that this information will not be released to anyone. However, if you do not wish to provide the specific amounts of coverage that you maintain, you may make a statement on the Credentialing Application indicating that you meet Delta Dental's malpractice coverage requirements of $100,000 per occurrence and $300,000 per aggregate, if that accurately reflects the limits of your insurance. Please be aware that disclosure of exact limits of malpractice coverage may become a requirement of Delta Dental of Massachusetts in the future.
Is Delta Dental of Massachusetts requiring that we follow a particular infection control strategy?
Delta Dental requires that participating dentists comply with all applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations, including those related to disease and infection control. We purposely avoided asking detailed infection control questions on the Credentialing Application and instead asked a general question to ascertain whether the dentist/office staff meets overall infection control standards. There is space provided on the form for the dentist to make any comments that he/she feels necessary about infection control or the OSHA standards.
What happens if a dentist refuses to answer one of the questions on the Credentialing Application?
If a dentist chooses not to answer a particular question on the Credentialing Application, Delta Dental of Massachusetts' Credentialing Committee will take this situation under consideration. The committee will review the reason for the omission and will then respond to the dentist with its decision. If it is determined that the omitted information is still required, the dentist will be asked to supply it within 30 days. If this is not done, the Credentialing Committee could initiate the process to withdraw the dentist's participating status.
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