Healthcare is always changing, and dental practices are starting to feel it more than ever. What used to be a simple billing process has now turned into a complex system filled with new rules, codes, and expectations. If your dental practice is in Mississippi, these changes aren’t just coming, they’re already here.
Our new whitepaper explains these updates in full detail, but here’s a helpful summary of what you need to know and why downloading the full version is worth your time.
Why Dental Billing Is Getting More Complicated
Billing has always been one of the hardest parts of running a dental practice. Many dentists struggle to get paid quickly and correctly. Now, with added rules from Medicaid and insurance providers, it’s become even harder. Across the United States, millions of people have unpaid medical bills. More than half of all collection services are related to healthcare debt. That’s a big problem.
But the issue isn’t just about unpaid bills. It’s also about how claims are filed. The rules about what codes must be included on a dental claim are changing fast, and if they’re not followed exactly, payments are delayed or denied.
What’s New in Mississippi
The Division of Medicaid in Mississippi launched MESA as its new billing system in October 2022. Any dental claim processing through MESA requires dental practitioners to combine their existing CDT codes with the standard ICD-10 codes that medical professionals typically use.
This means dental offices must now describe both the treatment and the medical reason behind it using special codes. If these codes aren’t correct or are missing completely, the claim will be rejected. This is already happening to hundreds of practices across the state.
Why It’s a Big Deal
This update is part of a larger trend. Other states are also starting to require ICD-10 codes in dental billing. Big insurance companies like Delta Dental and BCBS Federal are already asking for these codes, and others will likely do the same soon.
That’s why it’s important to learn the new system now. Dentists in Mississippi are required to get training in both coding systems if they want to continue practicing without delays in payments. This includes learning how to identify the right diagnostic code for each patient situation.
The Learning Curve Is Real
Adjusting to these changes takes time. Your organization requires training for staff members, while your systems require modernization alongside a complete understanding of new coding procedures by your billing team. Learning something new forms only one part of the story. The process also requires you to prevent expensive errors that delay your payment receipt.
There are also added costs. Training sessions, workshops, hiring coding experts, or even buying updated software can be expensive. And if your practice already has a tight budget, this could feel overwhelming.
How to Handle the Changes
You don’t have to figure it out alone. The full whitepaper outlines several solutions that can help your practice stay on track:
These small steps can make a big difference in helping your team reduce claim denials, get reimbursed faster, and avoid unnecessary stress.
What the Results Show
The numbers don’t lie. Practices that made the switch early are already seeing the benefits. They’re collecting payments faster, reducing the time claims spend in accounts receivable, and improving overall cash flow. The staff members show increased confidence regarding their billing operations.
Your situation of uncertainty about starting or concern about team preparedness matches that of many others. But staying informed is the first step.
Want the Full Picture?
The complete whitepaper goes into much more detail about the new billing rules in Mississippi, including:
Ready to Stay Ahead?
This whitepaper is a must-read for dental professionals, billing teams, and practice managers in Mississippi and beyond. Whether you're already navigating these new rules or still preparing for change, you'll find expert insights and practical solutions inside.
Download the full whitepaper now to:
Download the full whitepaper today and make sure your practice is ready, not just for today’s rules, but for what’s coming next. It’s a small step that could save you a lot of time, money, and stress down the road.
Don't wait until denials start piling up. Stay informed. Stay compliant. Stay profitable.
