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Network capitation practices: a new concept
Author(s) -
Rosenstein David I.,
Cogan Gerald L.,
Joseph Lireka P.
Publication year - 1980
Publication title -
community dentistry and oral epidemiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.061
H-Index - 101
eISSN - 1600-0528
pISSN - 0301-5661
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0528.1980.tb01306.x
Subject(s) - capitation , fee for service , actuarial science , context (archaeology) , payment , medicine , capitation fee , service (business) , dental care , business , family medicine , health care , finance , marketing , economics , paleontology , biology , economic growth
The percentage of consumers in the U. S. covered by dental insurance has increased dramatically over the last 10 years. As dental insurance grows, it is becoming increasingly important to examine the context of dental care payment systems. At present, almost all insurance programs are geared toward the fee‐for‐service system, which reimburses dentists a fixed sum for each type of procedure. The exceptions to fee‐for‐service dental insurance plans are few. A capitation program for dental care, which reimburses dentists a fixed amount per enrolled patient regardless of services rendered, offers many advantages for both consumers and providers and should be available as an option. Network capitation represents a new approach to the payment of dental care. A network capitation program is being developed in the United States and will use an approach involving two contracts, one which will be used with an insurance company, and the second with a network of private practitioners. The insurance company will supply dental practices with dental patients and funds on a capitation basis. Patients will be given the choice of fee‐for‐service or capitation. Network capitation allows fee‐for‐service solo or group practitioners to incorporate capitation patients into their practice.