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NSW Oral Health Fee for Service Scheme - Private Practitioner InformationOral Health Fee for Service Scheme |
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Last updated: 01 July 2008 What is the Oral Health Fee for Service Scheme?The Oral Health Fee for Service Scheme (OHFFSS) is an alternative way of providing dental care by the Public Dental Service. This Scheme provides dental care through a private oral health practitioner. There are three types of dental care that can be provided: episodic and general dental care, plus dentures. Who is considered a private oral health practitioner in the OHFFSS?A The OHFFSS offers dentists and dental prosthetists the opportunity to register. Dental care can be provided by dental auxiliaries under the conditions identified in the Dental Practice Act 2001 Section 19 (3). What is new in the OHFFSS?The OHFFSS now includes treatment for children plus general dental care. What are the fees associated with the OHFFSS in 2008?To download the OHFFSS Schedule of fees Information Bulletin 2008_ 028 . The OHFFSS Schedule of Fees for 2008 is benchmarked to the 1 November 2007 Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) Schedule of Fees. How do I join the OHFFSS?You will need to ring your local Public Dental Service (PDS) to ask for an Information Package that contains registration forms and relevant information regarding OHFFSS administration and clinical processes. How do I register?You will be asked to provide information regarding your professional registration, legal indemnity insurance and certificate of EPA equipment compliance certificate and EPA user licence. The PDS is required to carry out a criminal record and 'working with kids' check before ratifying your registration application. How long does my procurement contract last?Your procurement contract is valid for 5 years before it is reviewed. How can I terminate my procurement contract if I wish to do so?All you have to do is ring your local PDS and inform them of your wishes. It would be appreciated if you could give 2 weeks notice so administration is able to finalise any outstanding claims. How is a public patient referred to a private oral health practitioner?A public patient who has been given an OHFFSS voucher will be provided with a list of private oral health practitioners who have registered with the OHFFSS. Please note that your local PDS is unable to recommend one private oral health practitioner over another. Who does the PDS provide dental care to?All children who are younger than 18 years of age, and adults who are more than 18 years of age and are current holders of one of the following Centrelink concession cards:
How do I know if a public patient has been approved to receive dental care under the OHFFSS?A public patient will have a current OHFFSS voucher that will identify the type of dental care required. It is important to check the expiratory date on the voucher before commencing the dental care. Q What is expected of the public patient who has been provided with an OHFFSS voucher?The local PDS will inform the public patient that they need to:
What is expected of a private oral health practitioner who is registered with the OHFFSS?The PDS requires the support of the private oral health practitioner by:
How do I know what type of dental care the public patient is to receive?The OHFFSS Voucher that is given to a public patient will provide you with information regarding their presenting dental condition that requires dental care. An exception to this rule is if they have been given an OHFFSS Voucher over the phone as they would not have been seen by a public practitioner. If this is the case it should be indicated on the OHFFSS Voucher by the PDS. What clinical support does the PDS provide a private oral health practitioner?Each PDS has a designated contact person who will be able to help you with your clinical questions. Your local PDS will inform you of the designated contact person.
What claim support does the PDS provide a private oral health practitioner?Each PDS has a designated contact person who will be able to help you with your claim questions. Your local PDS will inform you of the designated contact person.
Who evaluates the OHFFSS?NSW Health has established an OHFFSS Review Group that identifies areas of improvement for the Scheme and reviews the OHFFSS Schedule of Fees. The membership consists of representatives from NSW Health, PDS, non-government agencies, NSW Australian Dental Association, NSW Australian Dental Prosthetist Association Inc and NSW TAFE. What are the PDS Call Centre contact numbers?Ring the PDS Call Centre during normal business hours. The numbers are listed below: Greater Southern Area Health Service Greater Western Area Health Service Hunter/New England Area Health Service North Coast Area Health Service Northern Sydney/Central Coast Area Health Service Southern Eastern Sydney/Illawarra Area Health Service Sydney South West Area Health Service Sydney West Area Health Service |