Out-of-network dentists who submit claims to Aetna on behalf of patients
Are you frustrated by Aetna’s decision to eliminate paper check and paper EOB options for out-of-network providers?
The following template can be utilized/modified and emailed to LaspinaL@aetna.com to express your objections to this action:
Ms. Laspina:
I am writing to object to Aetna Dental’s decision to eliminate the paper check and paper EOB option for out-of-network providers. This discriminatory policy shift leaves small, independent dentists like me with the choice to either engage in electronic payment systems that impose additional financial and administrative costs or succumb and join the Aetna network so I can continue to receive payments in the delivery mode of my choosing.  Doing so, however, exposes me to even further payment reductions for care via “in-network discounts.” I must now consider the negative impact on operations, when I should be focused on delivering optimal care to my patients instead.
According to economists’ review of the previous five years, prices for dental equipment and supplies as well as dental staff wages have gone up 23% while reimbursement averaged across all payor types has only gone up 19%. From January through June of this year, for example, practice expenses have outpaced inflation while reimbursement continues to lag which is squeezing dental practices and ultimately hurting patients. As Aetna siphons more resources out of the health delivery economy, as seen with this policy change, your subscribers will ultimately feel the impact of practices’ inability to navigate the continual reduction in fair payment.
I echo the American Dental Association’s belief, spelled out in its official policy, that dentists should have the freedom to choose their preferred method of reimbursement and receive the full value of their payments without being subjected to unnecessary administrative fees or payment processing charges.
To date, thirty-nine states have adopted laws to address the problem of fees dentists must pay to collect insurers’ claim payments. Aetna’s policy change flies in the face of this legislative trend. I request that Aetna immediately rescind the policy of ending paper check and paper EoB statements for out-of-network dentists and the patients they serve.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. I look forward to your written response and a favorable resolution to this issue.
Sincerely,
(please include your name and address)
