While Dr. Joseph M. O’Donnell (Letters, May JADA) may have "no problem" with another dentist or a paid staffer reading his radiographs to confirm that treatment was completed, I certainly do.
I personally find the need to submit radiographs to substantiate a loss or prove treatment to be an insult to my professional integrity and that of the entire profession. For 28 years I have begrudgingly submitted radiographs only because not doing so would result in my patient’s reimbursement being delayed or denied. The ground rules in dentistry are well-established: prove you provided the treatment or you don’t get paid.
So why the indignation? Because, to the best of my knowledge, dentists are the only health care professionals required to submit radiographic proof of treatment in order to get paid!
Does your cardiologist have to submit a copy of your angiogram before the insurer will provide coverage for your bypass surgery? Does your orthopedist need to submit postoperative radiographic evidence that he really did place a rod and pins to stabilize your fractured femur? Does your chiropractor need to submit spinal films before beginning a series of adjustments? The answer to all of these hypothetical questions is a very real "no."
Is my signature on a completed claim form not proof enough that the diagnosed and patient-accepted treatment has indeed been rendered? Is that claim and signature not backed by my dental degree and my license to practice? Would not falsifying such a claim constitute a fraudulent act and grounds for an action by the department of professional regulation, possibly including censure, suspension, fines or imprisonment? So why the need for radiographs (but only dental radiographs)?
While I see little hope for improving this long-standing inequity, I don’t have to like it or be comfortable with it!
