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The MO HealthNet Division (MHD) is responding to an outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel (new) coronavirus. The virus has been named "SARS-CoV-2" and the disease it causes has been named "coronavirus disease 2019" (abbreviated "COVID-19").

MO HealthNet covers Teledentistry services. MO HealthNet allows any licensed dental provider, enrolled as a MO HealthNet provider, to provide Teledentistry services if the services are within the scope of practice for which the dental provider is licensed. The services must be provided with the same standard of care as services provided in person.

Teledentistry services may be provided to a MHD participant, while at home, using their telephone. The originating site facility fee cannot be billed to MO HealthNet when the originating site is the participant’s home.

The CDT codes approved for Teledentistry are:

  • D9995 Teledentistry – synchronous; real time encounter. Reported in addition to other procedures (e.g., diagnostic) delivered to the patient on the date of service; and
  • D9996 Teledentistry – asynchronous; information stored and forwarded to dentist for subsequent review. (Reported in addition to other procedures (e.g., diagnostic) delivered to the patient on the date of service.)

Both codes are reimbursed at a rate of $14.82.

During this event, the MHD is:

  • Waiving the requirement that providers must have an established relationship with the patient before providing services via Teledentistry.
  • Waiving the co-payment for any services provided by means of Teledentistry.
  • Allowing quarantined providers to provide Teledentistry services from their homes. These services should be billed as distant site services using the clinic’s provider number.
  • Waiving the requirement that, in order to treat patients in this state through the use of Teledentistry, providers shall be fully licensed to practice in this state. MHD will allow providers to bill for Teledentistry services as long as they are licensed in the state in which they practice.

This Hot Tip also applies to providers that are contracted with the Managed Care Organizations.

MHD has established an e-mail account for providers with questions about special accommodations and billing questions during the COVID-19 event. Please contact us at mhd.covid-19@dss.mo.gov.