Two major dental plan companies announce investment in Internet technology company
Two of the larger dental insurers in the United States have invested in Dental Connect Inc. Delta Dental Plan of New Jersey and Delta Dental Plan of Wisconsin announced an investment to complement the previous investments made by Aetna, Ameritas Life Insurance Corp., Delta Dental Plan of Michigan, The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, MetLife and Dental Benefit Providers (the dental subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group).
These companies have joined together in a cooperative technology venture aimed at putting the resources of eligibility and benefit plan information and streamlined claim submission at dentists' fingertips. Their goal is to increase nationwide electronic claim submission from its current 28 percent of all claims to 80 percent.
To help achieve their goals, the insurers have invested in Dental Connect, Inc. ("DCI"), a technology company based in Irvine, California. Among its service offerings, DCI operates the dentalxchange.com website, and is a pioneer in developing Internet software to connect dental offices and insurance companies.
"We believe Dental Connect, Inc. has the potential to bring tremendous benefit to Delta Dental Plan of Wisconsin and all of the publics we serve," said Dennis Brown of Delta Dental Plan of Wisconsin. "While we may compete in other arenas, we are very pleased to join with so many major insurers as investors in DCI. Collectively, we'll bring better efficiencies and cost reductions to the purchasers, providers and consumers of dental care. Clearly, a goal worth pursuing."
DCI currently offers a service closely matching the carriers' vision through the dentalxchange.com website. Today, the platform allows dentists to submit claims and pre-treatment estimates to all carriers at no cost. For some carriers, dentists can also check patient eligibility, benefits information and the status of submitted claims -- all in real time. Additional patient and plan information from other carriers will be added, as the functionality becomes available. It's important to note that this service is open to every carrier and dentist.
"A new and exciting opportunity in connectivity has become available through DCI. Delta Dental Plan of New Jersey (or DDPNJ) is pleased to join other Industry leaders supporting this technology platform," said Walter VanBrunt president and CEO of Delta Dental of New Jersey. "The prospects of real time claim adjudication between insurers and dental offices is a major cost savings and financial `win-win' for all parties. Being a leader in the dental benefits industry means having a full array of services to meet the needs of our customers in the most efficient manner. Dental Connect is an integral part of that business strategy."
For more information on Dental Connect and these services, visit www.dentalxchange.com, or call (800) 990-1655.
