Although an increasing number of dentists are using digital dental imaging for radiography, photography, and, as an adjunct to Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided manufacture (CAD/CAM) fabrication devices, there is no federal law that requires every dentist to implement digital dental imaging.
However, if a dentist meets the definition of a “Medicare eligible professional” under the Medicare EHR Incentive Program, Medicare will apply payment adjustments beginning on January 1, 2015 unless the dentist qualifies as a “meaningful user” of certified electronic health record (“EHR”) technology, which may require the adoption of digital imaging technology. For more information about the payment adjustments, visit the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (“CMS”) webpage, Payment Adjustments & Hardship Exceptions Tipsheet for Eligible Professionals (PDF). For more information about the Medicare EHR Incentive Program, visit the CMS EHR Incentive Program website.
State law and state implementations of the Medicaid EHR Incentive Program vary from state to state, so check with a qualified professional for information about your state’s requirements for the adoption of EHRs and digital imaging. Your state dental association may also have information about the requirements in your state.