Southwest District Caucus Recap

On Saturday, May 24^th, SWSPD hosted the Southwest District Caucus at the AAPD Annual Session in Chicago. The purpose of the Caucus is to share ideas, concerns, successes, and failures that each state has encountered throughout the year. The Caucus was well-attended with a mix of almost 60 private practitioners, residency program directors, and residents present. Each state from our District was represented by one of their state’s advocacy leaders. The following advocates reported on the current state of affairs from their respective state: Arkansas- Dr. Jeff Rhodes, Public Policy Advocate; Colorado- Dr. Jeff Kahl, Public Policy Advocate; Kansas- Dr. John Fales, Southwest District Trustee; Louisiana- Dr. Suzanne Fournier, Public Policy Advocate; Missouri- Dr. Aaron Bumann, Public Policy Advocate, New Mexico- Dr. Jason Gonzalez; Oklahoma- Dr. Ryan Roberts, SWSPD President; Texas- Dr. Carolyn Kerins, Associate Program Director at Baylor College of Dentistry. 

Many of the state reports were similar in nature. Some of the key findings and news from our district are as follows:

• Although Medicaid reimbursement remains low for most of our states in the district, it was very encouraging to hear that Medicaid’s reimbursement rates were increased in three states and two are considering an increase. Colorado reported that an increase to their adult Medicaid program was sought and successfully achieved by raising the limit from $1000 to $1500. Additionally, the state received a 2% increase to all Medicaid fees. Kansas and Oklahoma also reported an increase in reimbursement rates, while Arkansas and Louisiana reported that an increase is being considered. 

• Currently, most Medicaid programs within our district are managed by MCOs (private managed care organizations). Louisiana is in the process of negotiating a new contract for its Medicaid system. 

• Although mid-level providers do not currently exist in any of the states within our district, some states reported legislation in favor of it; however, no legislation was passed. This concept of mid-level providers does not seem to be going away anytime soon. 

• Two states reported concerns about mobile dental units and their lack of compliance with state guidelines and their failure to provide comprehensive services. 

• General anesthesia access continues to be a problem around our district for public and privately insured recipients. The continued conversation is needed to develop strategies to address this growing problem for our highest risk patients. 

• Thanks to their advocacy efforts, Oklahoma reorganized their state’s pediatric society and developed a new constitution and by-laws. 

• Two states reported resolving problems within their Medicaid system over credit cards fees being added to the overall reimbursement to the provider. 

• There was a discussion about the importance of having pediatric dentists representing our states on their respective dental boards. 

• Medicaid audits remain an issue around the entire country, stemming from the lack of peer-reviewed audits. Medicaid audits can arise from the federal, state, or individual Medicaid managed care organization. 

• New sedation guidelines from the AAPD have been written and will include more education for staff and policies on monitoring during sedation procedures. 

Other news:

• Dr. Janelle Plocheck gave an update on SWSPD’s Joint Meeting with the SSPD and FAPD at Disney World in Orlando this coming October 31 – November 2.

• Dr. Ryan Roberts gave an update on the SWSPD’s Annual Ski Meeting in Park City, Utah on February 9 – 14, 2020.

Overall, the Caucus was successful exchange of ideas and information. I want to thank everyone who participated in the Caucus and provided updates on the state of pediatric dentistry within our district. I hope to see all of you at the Orlando meeting this Fall and in Park City this Winter!!