REFERRING PRACTICES

Ideally, we would like to have the following information prior to the patient’s arrival:

1. Referral slip - We ask that you include the patient’s contact information so we can assist them in scheduling their appointment.
2. X-Rays - We request that you send a copy of the patient’s most recent x-rays to xray@azperio.com or submit them along with the referral form located in the top sidebar of this page.
3. Any and all information you have relevant to why the patient is being referred.
4. Treatment timeline - Your patient may be a candidate for same day treatment.

The more detailed patient information we have prior to the appointment, the more quickly we can determine and gain acceptance of the precise treatment plan that will deliver the most benefit to the patient.

Referral forms can be submitted utilizing the methods listed below:

1. Online referral form
2. Via email xray@azperio.com
3. Faxed to the location to which the patient is being referred

X-rays can be sent to  xray@azperio.com

We are an in-network provider with Delta Dental Premier, however we accept all insurance plans.  Because we’re not contracted with specific insurance companies, we have more flexibility with our fee schedule. This benefits our mutual patients in that it allows them to maximize their insurance benefits in the referring dentists’ practice. Regardless of insurance carrier, we’re delighted to optimize utilization of dental insurance benefits with those patients who have it.

Additionally, it’s important to underscore that the referring practice refers patients to specialists based on the specialists’ long-term effectiveness in achieving the patient’s clinical and aesthetic goals. Neither the general dentist, nor our specialists, should allow a patient’s insurance coverage to dictate the recommended treatment plan.

Yes, upon request, we will provide patients with a predetermination of their insurance benefits.

The best practice for communicating the value of the referral is to underscore and transfer your confidence that the specialists of AZPerio will help the patient achieve the clinical and/or aesthetic objectives of the treatment plan you developed with the patient. Other verbiage used by our referring practices is listed below:

1. We work in close collaboration with AZPerio throughout your treatment, to ensure continuity of care between our practices to achieve the goals of the treatment plan we reviewed.
2. The board-certified periodontists of AZPerio are especially adept at diagnosing periodontal disease, achieving optimal aesthetics, and managing complex interdisciplinary cases. These are the specialists we work closely with and recommend to our family and friends.
3. AZPerio’s specialists are board-certified, and with their advanced technology, training and experience, they are able to guarantee the least painful and least invasive experience possible.
4. Because of AZPerio’s 30+ year reputation for achieving excellent patient-centric results, and longstanding relationships with referring practices, our practice has confidence that the AZPerio team will deliver superb outcomes for our patients. This is the group we recommend to our family members and friends.

Our treatment coordinators are experts in finding solutions that work for your patients. We also offer GreenSky, Care Credit and Lending Club.

Our specialists tailor their choice of implant systems to the needs of the patient and the preference of the referring dentists. Our board-certified specialists use Astra (Dentsply), Straumann and Nobel Biocare systems. These are widely considered the highest quality implant systems. AZPerio’s specialists believe that patients deserve the very best implant system, specifically tailored to their needs.

AZPerio uses the highest quality implant systems for the following reasons:

1. These systems have a body of evidence-based, peer-reviewed research demonstrating higher success rates.
2. All of the companies with which we work are well-established, with a long history of superb customer service and support.

We typically prefer the following maintenance schedule post-LANAP as this is the protocol established in evidence based research.

• 3 month, prophy at AZPerio, no probing
• 6 month, prophy at GD, no probing
• 9 month, prophy and first probing at AZPerio

Concierge Scheduling is a service offered to referring practices and their patients. Upon AZPerio’s receipt of the referral from the referring practice, the AZPerio team will contact the patient within one business day to schedule their consultation. Referral forms must include the patients contact information and can be submitted by any of the following methods:

1. Online referral form
2. Via email xray@azperio.com
3. Fax to the desired AZPerio location

The best practice for ensuring the patient is scheduled in the most efficient manner possible is to schedule the patient with us when the patient is in your office or fax, email or call us with the patient’s information. It is our commitment to contact the patient within 1 business day, and thereafter, keep you informed of the patient’s schedule of appointments with AZPerio. The patient’s referral can be tracked in the following ways:

1. If utilizing “concierge scheduling”, we will notify you of your patients’ scheduling status. AZPerio has data to demonstrate that this method of referral has the highest effectiveness for completing the referral, as well as the highest treatment plan acceptance rate.
2. If your patient wishes to schedule directly with AZPerio, we will contact the referring practice for more information once an appointment has been made.  AZPerio has accumulated data to indicate this method is the LEAST effective way to complete the referral.
3. If you have questions regarding a specific patient, please do not hesitate to contact one of our team members for follow up.

Listed below is our standard communication protocol; however, we will tailor our communication to the needs of a referring practice upon request.

• Patient scheduled: Email notification when patient is scheduled
• Post-consultation: Letter/email (based on referring practice preference)
• Treatment plan modification: Phone call to the dentist/hygienist
• Post-treatment: Letter/email with specific details to the treatment
• Ready for restoration: Call to the office while the patient is in the office (preferred by most practices); letter/email to the office

AZPerio values feedback.  We consider it an opportunity for improvement.  The referring office should notify AZPerio.  The referring office can contact the AZPerio office directly, call the Practice Liaison or email AZPerio at wecare@azperio.com

Many patients will be excellent candidates for same day treatment (SDT).  The categories below represent the patient selection criteria for same day treatment.

The patient requires the following:

• Implant placement
• Treatment of an infected implant
• Functional crown lengthening
• Soft tissue grafting on 1-2 teeth

The patient is not on blood thinners or has antibiotic premedication

The patient referral details the following information:

• Specific tooth/site
• Specific procedure/issue to be addressed

Patient has X-rays or other relevant imaging

• Provide AZPerio with a clear and succinct referral form.  If the patient fits the SDT criteria listed above, ask if the patient would like  to have the treatment performed the same day as the consultation.
• Check to determine if the patient is on any blood thinners or requires antibiotic premedication.
• If referral for implant(s), ensure patient has a flipper or Essex appliance.  If we have impressions, we can turn the case around overnight.
• Keep in mind that precise communication between the referring practice and AZPerio is key to the success of SDT cases.

Many patients will benefit from LANAP for their periodontal disease, including those with the conditions listed below.

Patients with:

• 6mm+ pocket
• Exudate/pus
• Vertical bone defect on radiograph
• Recession of 3mm+ (if there is less than 2mm of keratinized tissue)
• Exposed roots, furcation involvement
• Mobility more than class 1
• Patients with co-morbidities, periodontal disease and diabetes
• Peri-implant disease, periodontal abscess (immediate referral)
• Patient age 40 and younger with bone loss and probe depths 6mm+

Treatment-resistant patients:

• Post SRP 4-6 weeks; re-evaluate, if the soft tissue fails to respond to SRP (no change
  in pocket depth)
• Patients with unresolved inflammation at any given site
• Refractory/recurrent disease