Independence is continuing its series of messages for the parents and/or guardians of our Keystone HMO Children's Health Insurance Program (Keystone HMO CHIP) members to help families manage their child's health care. The topics chosen are based on Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS®) measures. We are sharing these topics with you to help support compliance with these measures and to encourage families to obtain these important services.
This month's message is regarding oral health care.
Important information on HEDIS measures
Oral health is an integral part of a child's overall health and development. It is important that Primary Care Physicians include interventions, assessments, and services to ensure children are receiving the best oral health care.
Dental sealants
Measure: All members ages 6 – 9 as of December 31 at elevated risk for dental caries who received a sealant on a permanent first molar tooth as a dental service.
Annual dental visit
Measure: The percentage of members ages 2 – 20 who had at least one dental visit during the measurement year.
How you can help
- confirm the child has a dental home
- perform an oral health risk assessment when appropriate
- if primary water source is deficient in fluoride, consider oral fluoride supplementation
Refer to the American Academy of Pediatrics and Bright Futures Recommendations for Pediatrics Oral Health Practice Tools for information on setting up your practice to include oral health.