A recent report on emergency room use from the Washington Health Care Authority is receiving a lot of media attention. According to the report, an initiative to reduce “unnecessary” emergency room visits is on track to generate savings of up to $31 million per year.
The Seattle Times article notes that helping Medicaid patients avoid dental emergencies is another key goal of the coalition of medical providers and state officials looking to save money by reducing ER use.
According to KUOW’s coverage, dental emergencies are a large part of the problem. “Without preventive care, many (patients) end up in the ER with a dental emergency that the ER is not equipped to handle.”
One way to avoid patients coming into emergency rooms with dental pain is for the Legislature to restore dental coverage for low-income adults this session. Preventing dental disease saves money, improves health and keeps people out of the ER.
Oral Health Watch
2 days ago
It's far better to prevent disease than treat illness. Washington's Apple Health dental program provides access to preventive oral health care and timely dental treatments so small issues won't develop into larger problems, burdening people with pain, potential health complications ...and costly care. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
3 days ago
It's far better to prevent disease than treat illness. Washington's Apple Health dental program provides access to preventive oral health care and timely dental treatments so small issues won't develop into larger problems, burdening people with pain, potential health complications, ...and costly care. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
3 days ago
Communities that provide community water fluoridation help ensure every child and adult has a fair chance of reaching their full oral health potential. That's because each sip of fluoridated water helps protect teeth against tooth decay regardless of age, income, and insurance coverage status.... #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
3 days ago
Communities that provide community water fluoridation help ensure every child and adult has a fair chance of reaching their full oral health potential. That's because each sip of fluoridated water helps protect teeth against tooth decay regardless of age, income, and insurance coverage status.... #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
4 days ago
Washington state's Apple Health dental program investments are good health policy and the right thing to do. When left unaddressed, oral health problems can become serious, impacting health, employment, well-being and burdening people with costly dental treatments. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
4 days ago
Washington state's Apple Health dental program investments are good health policy and the right thing to do. When left unaddressed, oral health problems can become serious, impacting health, employment, well-being and burdening people with costly dental treatments. #teethmatter