ViziLite Plus as part of a comprehensive oral screening
Oral cancer is one of the most curable diseases when it's caught early. That's why the ViziLite Plus exam has been eveloped. ViziLite Plus uses technology that has proven successful in identifying soft tissue abnormalities in other areas of the body. A ViziLite Plus exam is particularly important if you are at increased risk for developing oral cancer. The ViziLite Plus exam can help your dentist or hygienist identify abnormal tissue, that might develop into oral cancer.
Dr. Myers is certified by ViziLite and Zila Pharmaceuticals as a provider for Pre-Oral Cancer Screening.
For more information about ViziLite Plus and the ViziLite Plus examination, click here to view an informative ViziLite Plus video segment. An additional ViziLite Plus education Video is also available for viewing - click on HDG/ViziLite to go to that video page.
Who should have a ViziLite Plus exam?
The American Cancer Society recommends that patients have a complete soft tissue examination (standard visual exam) at least once a year.
ViziLite Plus is used as part of an annual oral screening for patients at increased risk for oral cancer. Your dental professional may recommend a ViziLite Plus examination more frequently depending on your individual risk factors.
Oral Cancer Risk by Patient Profile:
Increased Risk:
Patients age 18-39 with no lifestyle risk factors
High Risk:
Patients age 40 and older with no risk factors OR patients age 18-39 with lifestyle risk factors
Highest Risk:
Patients age 40 and older with lifestyle risk factors or patients with a history of oral cancer
Risk Factors:
Lifestyle risk factors for oral cancer include:
- Tobacco use (any type, any age, within 10 years)
- Alcohol consumption of at least 1 drink per day (3 ounces of hard liquor, 4 ounces of wine, or 12 ounces of beer)
Other risk factors:
- Immune deficiencies such as HIV & AIDS
- Human Papilloma Virus, particularly HPV 16/18
An annual ViziLite Plus exam, in combination with a regular visual examination, provides a comprehensive oral screening procedure for patients at increased risk for oral cancer. The ViziLite Plus exam is painless and fast, and could help save your life.
ViziLite Plus is performed immediately following a regular visual examination
- First, you will be instructed to rinse with a cleansing solution
- Next, the overhead lighting will be dimmed.
- Then, your dental professional will examine your mouth using ViziLite Plus, a specially designed light technology.
ViziLite Plus Insurance Coverage
Your medical and dental insurance benefits should not dictate the standard of care that you receive from a dental professional. This is especially important for screening procedures, such as the ViziLite Plus examination. Dentists that offer ViziLite Plus exams to their patients want their patients to receive the highest quality standard of care available.
Dental Insurance
The American Dental Association has established a dental insurance procedure code that applies to the ViziLite Plus exam. Your dental plan may cover this procedure.
Medical Insurance
Your medical insurance company may also cover the ViziLite Plus exam. There are medical insurance codes that have also been used to obtain insurance reimbursement for the ViziLite Plus exam.
Medical Spending Accounts or MSAs, if offered by your employer, are an excellent option to use for reimbursement of your ViziLite Plus examination. Healthcare Savings Accounts, HSAs, can also be an option for reimbursement of your annual ViziLite Plus exam. In any case, be sure to get documentation of the ViziLite Plus exam from your dental office and submit a copy of this, along with your receipt, for reimbursement.
What if my claim is denied?
Not all Medical or Dental Insurance or Benefit Plans will have allowances for Pre-Oral Cancer Screening. This is unfortunate but Insurance carriers are many times 'behing the times' in the latest technology and testings - as well as being in the business to make money - and the less they have to 'pay out' for claims means more money for their stockholders.
Zila Pharmaceuticals has prepared sample appeal letters for you to send to your insurance company in the event that your submission for reimbursement has been denied.
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