New ID Numbers are coming

New identification (ID) numbers are replacing social security numbers to protect our member's privacy. You will see new ID numbers on your vouchers and other communications beginning in December.

New ID cards will be mailed to members throughout the first quarter of 2005. Please watch for changes to your patients' ID number and update your records. For more details, see the article in the November issue of the BluePrint Newsletter, or view frequently asked questions. If you need more information, contact your dental service representative.

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Regence BCBSO prefers dental claims to be submitted electronically or by using the current American Dental Association (ADA) standard claim form, with the most current version of ADA's CDT code.

Predetermination of Dental Benefits

Regence BCBSO is pleased to offer a pre-service benefit determination. This service permits the patient and dentist an understanding of benefit coverage prior to beginning treatment. Predetermination of dental benefits, however, is not a guarantee of payment, and should any claim(s) for prior treatment be paid in the interim, estimated payments would be reduced. Actual benefits payable will depend upon the following:

• Patient and dental professional eligibility
• Dentist participating status
• Contract limitations
• Benefits available, including least costly alternatives
• Benefit maximums in effect when the services are completed

Benefits may have been predetermined under the assumption that the patient is only insured under one policy. If the patient is insured under more than one policy, actual benefits payable may be adjusted due to coordination of benefits or maintenance (non-duplication) of benefits.