Managed care and dentistry: promises and problems

Article Abstract:

Capitation-based managed care plans may not fairly compensate dentists for their services. Capitation-based plans pay dentists a fixed monthly fee per patient to provide a set of services as needed. In 1954, the first capitated dental plan promised to offer high-quality services at a reasonable cost while providing fair compensation to the dentist. Data obtained from four large independent practice network (IPN) plans in California in 1991 revealed that dentists' monthly capitation payments ranged between $4.47 and $6.63. Based on the national average patient utilization rate, dentists' estimated hourly wage, and 30-minute appointments, these dentists would recoup 35% to 51.9% of their costs. To generate profits, dentists would need to reduce patient utilization to half the national average and decrease the average number of dental visits. Regulation is needed to ensure that managed care systems offer provider and patient equity.

Economic aspects, Prices and rates, Managed care plans (Medical care), Oral hygiene, Dental insurance

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Self-reported satisfaction of enrollees in capitated and fee-for-service dental benefit plans

Article Abstract:

The impact of capitated (CAP) and fee-for-service (FFS) dental benefit plans on the enrollees' satisfaction with their plans and their satisfaction with their dentists is examined. It was found that the enrollees generally were satisfied with their plans and their dentists, but those in FFS plans were the most satisfied, with the level of satisfaction increasing proportionately to the amount of premium paid.

Forecasts, trends, outlooks, Forecasts and trends, Market trend/market analysis, Dental care services, Dental fees

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Oral health findings for HIV-infected adult medical patients from the HIV cost and services utilization study

Article Abstract:

The survey, HIV Cost and Services Utilization Study, conducted at RAND corp. for HIV infected adult medical patients, provides the oral health data, which helps the dental professionals to understand the disease and to give directions to improve the oral health care, is discussed. The statistical information of the survey is also provided.

United States, Surveys, HIV patients, Oral health

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