Medicare audit taskforce to probe dentists

Medicare Australia has established a taskforce to investigate dentists’ compliance with the Chronic Disease Dental Scheme.

It will undertake audits on 250 dentists on the basis of intelligence, tip-offs and irregularly high claiming patterns, according to the Minister for Human Services, Mr Chris Bowen.

Initial audits of 49 dentists showed a substantial number of them failing to comply with all the requirements of the scheme, he said.

Incorrect claims for 11 of the 49 dentists being audited total about $7.5 million.

“I understand that most dentists try to do the right thing and that the majority of incorrect claiming is accidental,” Mr Bowen said.

Medicare Australia is working with the ADA to educate and inform dentists on the correct use of the scheme and will send a letter to all dentists explaining the laws in relation to the scheme and the compliance activity.

Members seeking further information are encouraged to login to the MyADAVB section of the Branch website (www.adavb.net) and visit the Medicare Australia Audits page.

The one page checklist for dental practitioners about the Chronic Disease Dental Scheme is available here.