Original Notice.

     Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 05-21-093.

     Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: Part 3 of 4; new sections WAC 388-535-1263 Covered dental-related services for clients age twenty-one and older -- Periodontic services, 388-535-1266 Covered dental-related services for clients age twenty-one and older -- Prosthodontics (removable), 388-535-1267 Covered dental-related services for clients age twenty-one and older -- Oral and maxillofacial surgery services, and 388-535-1269 Covered dental-related services for clients age twenty-one and older -- Adjunctive general services.

     Hearing Location(s): Blake Office Park East, Rose Room, 4500 10th Avenue S.E., Lacey, WA 98503 (one block north of the intersection of Pacific Avenue S.E. and Alhadeff Lane, behind Goodyear Tire. A map or directions are available at http://www1.dshs.wa.gov/msa/rpau/docket.html or by calling (360) 664-6097), on February 6, 2007, at 10:00 a.m.

     Date of Intended Adoption: Not earlier than February 7, 2007.

     Submit Written Comments to: DSHS Rules Coordinator, P.O. Box 45850, Olympia, WA 98504, delivery 4500 10th Avenue S.E., Lacey, WA 98503, e-mail schilse@dshs.wa.gov, fax (360) 664-6185, by 5:00 p.m. on February 6, 2007.

     Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Stephanie Schiller, DSHS Rules Consultant, by February 2, 2007, TTY (360) 664-6178 or (360) 664-6097 or by e-mail at schilse@dshs.wa.gov.

     Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: The new and amended sections clarify and update policies for dental-related services for clients age twenty-one and older; ensure that department policies are applied correctly and equitably; replace the terms "medical assistance administration" and "MAA" with "the department"; update policy regarding prior authorization requirements; clarify policy on covered versus noncovered benefits; and clarify additional benefits and limitations associated with those services for clients age twenty-one and older.

     Reasons Supporting Proposal: To clarify what new dental-related services are covered and the limitations associated with those services; to make HRSA's rules regarding covered and noncovered dental-related services for clients age twenty-one and older clearer and easier to understand for clients and dental providers; and to identify the requirements and criteria that must be met in order to obtain covered dental-related services.

     Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 74.08.090, 74.09.500, 74.09.520.

     Statute Being Implemented: RCW 74.08.090, 74.09.500, 74.09.520.

     Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.

     Name of Proponent: Department of social and health services, governmental.

     Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting: Kathy Sayre, 626 8th Avenue, Olympia, WA 98504-5504, (360) 725-1342; Implementation and Enforcement: Dr. John Davis, 626 8th Avenue, Olympia, WA 98504-5506, (360) 725-1748.

     No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. The proposed rules do not create more than minor costs to small businesses.

     A cost-benefit analysis is required under RCW 34.05.328. A preliminary cost-benefit analysis may be obtained by contacting Dr. John Davis, P.O. Box 45506, Olympia, WA 98504-5506, phone (360) 725-1748, TYY/TDD 1-800-848-5429, fax (360) 586-1590, e-mail davisjd@dshs.wa.gov.

December 27, 2006

Andy Fernando, Manager

Rules and Policies Assistance Unit

     (1) Surgical periodontal services. The department covers surgical periodontal services, including all postoperative care for clients of the division of development disabilities according to WAC 388-535-1099.

     (2) Nonsurgical periodontal services. The department:

     (a) Covers periodontal scaling and root planing once per quadrant, per client, in a two-year period when:

     (i) The client has radiographic evidence of periodontal disease;

     (ii) The client's record includes supporting documentation for the medical necessity, including complete periodontal charting and a definitive diagnosis of periodontal disease;

     (iii) The client's clinical condition meets current published periodontal guidelines; and

     (iv) Performed at least two years from the date of completion of periodontal scaling and root planing or surgical periodontal treatment.

     (b) Considers ultrasonic scaling, gross scaling, or gross debridement to be included in the procedure and not a substitution for periodontal scaling and root planing.

     (c) Covers periodontal scaling and root planing only when the services are not performed on the same date of service as prophylaxis, periodontal maintenance, gingivectomy, or gingivoplasty.

     (d) Covers periodontal scaling and root planing for clients of the division of developmental disabilities according to WAC 388-535-1099.

     (3) Other periodontal services. The department:

     (a) Covers periodontal maintenance once per client in a twelve-month period when:

     (i) The client has radiographic evidence of periodontal disease;

     (ii) The client's record includes supporting documentation for medical necessity, including complete periodontal charting and a definitive diagnosis of periodontal disease;

     (iii) The client's clinical condition meets existing published periodontal guidelines; and

     (iv) Performed at least twelve months from the date of completion of periodontal scaling and root planing or surgical periodontal treatment.                   

     (b) Covers periodontal maintenance only if performed on a different date of service as prophylaxis, periodontal scaling and root planing, gingivectomy, or gingivoplasty.

     (c) Covers periodontal maintenance for clients of the division of developmental disabilities according to WAC 388-535-1099.

[]

     (1) Removable prosthodontics. The department:

     (a) Requires prior authorization requests for all removable prosthodontics and prosthodontic-related procedures listed in this subsection. Prior authorization requests must meet the criteria in WAC 535-1280. In addition, the department requires the dental provider to submit all of the following:

     (i) Appropriate and diagnostic radiographs of all remaining teeth;

     (ii) A dental record that identifies:

     (A) All missing teeth for both arches;

     (B) Teeth that are to be extracted; and

     (C) Dental and periodontal services completed on all remaining teeth.

     (iii) A prescription written by a dentist when a denturist's prior authorization request is for an immediate denture or cast metal partial denture.

     (b) Covers a complete denture, as follows:

     (i) A complete denture, including an immediate denture or overdenture, is covered when prior authorized and the complete denture meets department coverage criteria;

     (ii) Post-delivery care (e.g., adjustments, soft relines, and repairs) provided within three months of the seat date of a complete denture, is considered part of the complete denture procedure and is not paid separately;

     (iii) Replacement of an immediate denture with a complete denture is covered only when the replacement occurs at least six months from the seat date of the immediate denture. The replacement complete denture must be prior authorized; and

     (iv) Replacement of a complete denture or overdenture is covered only when the replacement occurs at least five years from the seat date of the complete denture or overdenture being replaced. The replacement denture must be prior authorized.

     (c) Covers partial dentures as follows:

     (i) Department authorization and payment for a resin or flexible base partial denture for anterior and posterior teeth is based on the following criteria:

     (A) The remaining teeth in the arch must have a reasonable periodontal diagnosis and prognosis;

     (B) The client has established caries control;

     (C) One or more anterior teeth are missing, or four or more posterior teeth per arch are missing;

     (D) There is a minimum of four stable teeth remaining per arch; and

     (E) There is a three-year prognosis for retention of all remaining teeth.

     (ii) Post-delivery care (e.g. adjustments, soft relines, and repairs) provided after three months from the seat date of the partial denture, is considered part of the partial denture and is not paid separately; and

     (iii) Replacement of a resin or flexible base denture is covered only when the replacement occurs at least three years from the seat date of the partial denture being replaced. The replacement denture must be prior authorized and meet department coverage criteria.

     (d) Covers cast metal framework partial dentures as follows:

     (i) A cast metal framework with resin-based denture, including any conventional clasps, rests, and teeth, is covered on a case-by-case basis when prior authorized and department coverage criteria listed in (d)(iv) of this subsection are met.

     (ii) Post-delivery care (e.g., adjustments, soft relines, and repairs) provided within three months of the seat date of the cast metal partial denture, is considered part of the partial denture procedure and is not paid separately.

     (iii) Replacement of a cast metal framework partial denture is covered on a case-by-case basis and only when the replacement occurs at least five years from the seat date of the partial denture being replaced. The replacement denture must be prior authorized and meet department coverage criteria listed in (d)(iv) of this subsection.

     (iv) Department authorization and payment for cast metal framework partial dentures is based on the following criteria:

     (A) The remaining teeth in the arch must have a stable periodontal diagnosis and prognosis;

     (B) The client has established caries control;

     (C) All restorative and periodontal procedures must be completed before the request for prior authorization is submitted;

     (D) There are fewer than eight posterior teeth in occlusion;

     (E) There is a minimum of four stable teeth remaining per arch;

     (F) There is a five-year prognosis, based on the sole discretion of the department, for retention of all remaining teeth.

     (v) The department may consider resin partial dentures as an alternative if the criteria for cast metal framework partial dentures listed in (d)(iv) of this subsection do not meet department specifications.

     (e) Requires the provider to bill for covered removable prosthetic procedures only after the seating of the prosthesis, not at the impression date. Refer to (2)(c) and (d) of this subsection if the removable prostheses is not delivered and inserted.

     (f) Requires a provider to submit the following with prior authorization requests for removable prosthetics for a client residing in a nursing home, group home, or other facility:

     (i) The client's medical diagnosis and prognosis;

     (ii) The attending physician's request for prosthetic services;

     (iii) The attending dentist's or denturist's statement documenting medical necessity;

     (iv) A written and signed consent from the client's legal guardian when a guardian has been appointed; and

     (v) A completed copy of the Denture/Partial Appliance Request for Skilled Nursing Facility Client form (DSHS 13-788) available from the department.

     (g) Limits removable partial dentures to resin based partial dentures for all clients who reside in one of the facilities listed in (f) of this subsection. The department may consider cast metal partial dentures if the criteria in (d) of this subsection are met.

     (h) Requires a provider to deliver services and procedures that are of acceptable quality to the department. The department may recoup payment for services that are determined to be below the standard of care or of an unacceptable product quality.

     (2) Other services for removable prosthetics. The department covers:

     (a) Repairs to complete and partial dentures;

     (b) A laboratory reline or rebase to a complete or cast metal partial denture, once in a three-year period when performed at least six months after the seat date; and

     (c) Laboratory fees, subject to all of the following:

     (i) The department does not pay laboratory and professional fees for complete and partial dentures, except as stated in (ii) of this subsection;

     (ii) The department may pay part of billed laboratory fees when the provider has obtained prior authorization from the department, and:

     (A) At the time of delivery of the prosthesis, the patient is no longer an eligible medical assistance client (see also WAC 388-535-1280(3));

     (B) The client moves from the state; or

     (C) The client dies.

     (iii) A provider must submit copies of laboratory prescriptions and receipts or invoices for each claim when billing for laboratory fees.

[]

     (1) Oral and maxillofacial surgery services. The department:

     (a) Requires enrolled dental providers who do not meet the conditions in WAC 388-535-1070(3) to bill claims for services that are listed in this subsection using only the Current Dental Terminology (CDT) codes.

     (b) Requires enrolled providers (oral and maxillofacial surgeons) who meet the conditions in WAC 388-535-1070(3) to bill claims using Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes unless the procedure is specifically listed in the department's current published billing instructions as a CDT covered code (e.g., extractions).

     (c) Does not cover oral surgery services described in WAC 388-535-1267 that are performed in a hospital operating room or ambulatory surgery center.

     (d) Requires the client's record to include supporting documentation for each type of extraction or any other surgical procedure billed to the department. The documentation must include:

     (i) An appropriate consent form signed by the client or the client's legal representative;

     (ii) Appropriate radiographs;

     (iii) Medical justification with diagnosis;

     (iv) Client's blood pressure, when appropriate;

     (v) A surgical narrative;

     (vi) A copy of the post-operative instructions; and

     (vii) A copy of all pre- and post-operative prescriptions.

     (e) Covers routine and surgical extractions.

     (f) Covers debridement of a granuloma or cyst that is five millimeters or greater in diameter. The department includes debridement of a granuloma or cyst that is less than five millimeters as part of the global fee for the extraction.

     (g) Covers biopsy, as follows:

     (i) Biopsy of soft oral tissue or brush biopsy do not require prior authorization; and

     (ii) All biopsy reports must be kept in the client's record.

     (h) Covers alveoloplasty:

     (i) Only when three or more teeth are extracted per arch.; and

     (ii) That is not performed in conjunction with extractions only on a case-by-case basis and when prior authorized.

     (i) Covers surgical excision of soft tissue lesions only on a case-by-case basis and when prior authorized.

     (j) Covers only the following excisions of bone tissue in conjunction with placement of immediate, complete, or partial dentures when prior authorized:

     (i) Removal of lateral exostosis;

     (ii) Removal of torus palatinus or torus mandibularis; and

     (iii) Surgical reduction of soft tissue or osseous tuberosity.

     (2) Surgical incision-related services. The department covers the following surgical incision-related services:

     (a) Uncomplicated intraoral and extraoral soft tissue incision and drainage of abscess. The department does not cover this service when combined with an extraction or root canal treatment. Documentation supporting medical necessity must be in the client's record; and

     (b) Removal of foreign body from mucosa, skin, or subcutaneous alveolar tissue when prior authorized. Documentation supporting medical necessity must be in the client's record.

[]

     (1) Adjunctive general services. The department:

     (a) Covers palliative (emergency) treatment, not to include pulpal debridement, for treatment of dental pain, limited to once per day, per client, as follows:

     (i) The treatment must occur during limited evaluation appointments;

     (ii) A comprehensive description of diagnosis and services provided must be documented in the client's record; and

     (iii) Appropriate radiographs must be in the client's record to support medical necessity for the treatment.

     (b) Covers local anesthesia and regional blocks as part of the global fee for any procedure being provided to clients.

     (c) Covers office based oral or parenteral sedation:

     (i) For services listed as covered in WAC 388-535-1267;

     (ii) For all current published Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) dental codes;

     (iii) When the provider's current valid anesthesia permit is on file with the department; and

     (iv) For clients of the division of developmental disabilities according to WAC 388-535-1099.

     (d) Covers office based general anesthesia for:

     (i) Extraction of three or more teeth;

     (ii) Services listed as covered in WAC 388-535-1267 (1)(h) and (j);

     (iii) For all current published CPT dental codes;

     (iv) When the provider's current valid anesthesia permit is on file with the department; and

     (v) For clients of the division of developmental disabilities, according to WAC 388-535-1099.

     (e) Covers inhalation of nitrous oxide, once per day.

     (f) Requires providers of oral or parenteral conscious sedation, or general anesthesia to meet:

     (i) The prevailing standard of care;

     (ii) The provider's professional organizational guidelines;

     (iii) The requirements in chapter 246-817 WAC; and

     (iv) Relevant department of health (DOH) medical, dental, and nursing anesthesia regulations;

     (g) Pays for anesthesia services according to WAC 388-535-1350;

     (h) Covers professional consultation/diagnostic services as follows:

     (i) A dentist or a physician other than the practitioner providing treatment must provide the services; and

     (ii) A client must be referred by the department for the services to be covered.

     (2) Nonemergency dental services. The department covers nonemergency dental services performed in a hospital or ambulatory surgical center for clients of the division of developmental disabilities according to WAC 388-535-1099.

     (3) Professional visits. The department covers:

     (a) Up to two house/extended care facility calls (visits) per facility, per provider. The department limits payment to two facilities per day, per provider.

     (b) One hospital call (visit), including emergency care, per day, per provider, per client. The department does not pay for additional hospital calls if billed for the same client on the same day.

     (c) Emergency office visits after regularly scheduled hours. The department limits payment to one emergency visit per day, per provider.

     (4) Drugs and/or medicaments (pharmaceuticals). The department covers drugs and/or medicaments (pharmaceuticals) only when used with parenteral conscious sedation, deep sedation, or general anesthesia. The department's dental program does not pay for oral sedation medications.

     (5) Miscellaneous services. The department covers:

     (a) Behavior management that requires the assistance of one additional dental staff other than the dentist only for clients of the division of developmental disabilities. See WAC 388-535-1099.

     (b) Treatment of post-surgical complications (e.g., dry socket). Documentation supporting the medical necessity for the service must be in the client's record.

[]

© Washington State Code Reviser's Office