Academy of Orthodontic Insurance Coordinators
The Academy of Insurance Coordinators is an online educational program for team members who fill the vital role of filing insurance claims in an orthodontic office. From becoming familiar with defining CDT codes and understanding how to submit accurate insurance claims, this program is perfect for new and experienced Insurance Coordinators and an excellent tool for cross-training other key team members.
Written in cooperation with Dr. Doug Depew, Trapezio Founder and Academic Director, and Jill Allen of Jill Allen and Associates, the program brings together years of experience and success to help overhaul your current insurance practices.
View Course Outline
8 CE credits available
Course Reviews
Melissa – Financial Coordinator
“I feel more confident when filing claims or discussing benefits with a patient, especially with dual coverage. Learning about why some secondary carriers may not pay the full benefit if a primary carrier has already paid benefit to the patient (the non-duplication of benefits clause) and how to discuss that with the subscriber was very helpful…. The reassurance that we are following correct guidelines, and providing the best service for our patients when filing insurance was so valuable. Hearing the do’s and don’ts of filing was also helpful, and even though we do not accept assignment in our office, learning about the different types of insurance providers and what other offices offer was very interesting. I feel that I can better educate our patients about the type of coverage they might have and how we can file to get the best outcome for them.
If another office was considering using Trapezio for team training, I would definitely encourage them to do so. Occasionally, you get in a routine and don’t realize that you may not be doing everything you can to ensure claims are filed and processed as quickly as possible. As things change or evolve, we need to make sure that we can get the fastest turn around on insurance benefits, limiting delay of payment, or claim error when filing.”
Release Date: May 1, 2013 | Review Date:November 20, 2023 | Expiration Date: November 20, 2026
Lesson #1- Orthodontic Insurance
- Describe the different types of insurance providers relevant to orthodontic care.
- Define and explain key insurance terms such as in-network/out-of-network, assignment of benefits, and coordination of benefits.
- Calculate write-offs and expected payments for orthodontic insurance cases.
- Evaluate how insurance eligibility and benefit provisions impact case acceptance and workflow.
Lesson #2- Orthodontic and Dental Benefits Codes
- Identify and locate resources for dental and orthodontic benefit codes.
- Explain the development of dental benefit structures and how they apply to orthodontics.
- Recognize orthodontic-specific and diagnostic codes and their proper use.
- Distinguish when to apply orthodontic versus general dental codes to support accurate reimbursement.
Lesson #3- Insurance Billing
- Outline the office’s insurance billing protocol, including verifying benefits, filing claims, and tracking payments.
- Demonstrate how to verify and coordinate benefits for new and transferring patients.
- Complete insurance claim forms accurately, including predeterminations and mid-treatment billing.
- Manage special billing scenarios such as patient transfers and mid-treatment claims.
Lesson #4- Tips for Success
- Apply best practices for submitting claims and monitoring payments.
- Navigate special situations such as divorce-related insurance issues, benefit changes, and duplicate coverage.
- Recognize coding and benefit challenges and apply effective solutions.
- Develop workflow habits that minimize delays and maximize reimbursement.
Lesson #5- ACA and Medical Claims
- Explain key provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) related to orthodontic coverage.
- Understand the AAO’s involvement in medical and insurance claim issues.
- Determine eligibility for medical insurance coverage in orthodontic cases.
- Locate state-specific resources and medical-claim guidelines.