What should you do after starting endodontic therapy when the patient gets new dental insurance soon?

Billing for the procedure once completed is the appropriate action after starting endodontic therapy, especially when a patient is about to transition to new dental insurance. This approach ensures that the treatment progresses without interruption and prioritizes the patient's immediate dental needs.

When endodontic therapy has already commenced, it is generally in the patient's best interest to complete the procedure to prevent further complications or discomfort. Once the treatment is finished, the dental provider can then bill the patient's new insurance for the procedure. Since most dental insurance policies offer coverage for endodontic therapy, this method allows for potential reimbursement without negatively impacting the patient’s treatment.

Delaying the treatment until the insurance starts could compromise the effectiveness of the dental care and place the patient's oral health at risk, as the patient may experience pain or further issues from a partially completed procedure. Stopping treatment and referrals would not address the patient's needs and could lead to worse dental health outcomes. Informing the patient that they cannot get coverage misrepresents the situation, as most policies will cover necessary treatments, particularly when they are already initiated. By moving forward with treatment and then billing the insurance, the dental provider acts in accordance with ethical practices and delivers comprehensive care.