FALLS CHURCH, Virginia –
Are you looking for a dentist in the continental United States (CONUS)?
As a TRICARE Dental Program enrollee, you can choose to go to any licensed and authorized dentist in the CONUS service area (50 United States, District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands). But it’s important to know the benefits of seeing a United Concordia TDP network dentist versus a non-network dentist.
“Staying within United Concordia’s TDP network can save you money on dental services,” said Doug Elsesser, program analyst with the Defense Health Agency’s TRICARE Dental Program. “Network dentists have a signed agreement with United Concordia to follow TDP rules for providing care and accepting payments.”
Here are the benefits of choosing a network dentist.
- The amount you pay is based on United Concordia’s negotiated fee for covered services. The fee is generally lower than the provider’s usual charge.
- You won’t have to pay more than the applicable cost-share for covered services. However, this depends on if you’ve reached your annual maximum or if limitations or exclusions apply. You can review this and more by logging in to My Account.
- You don’t have to pay the dentist for the full cost of care and wait for reimbursement. Network dentists work with United Concordia to get their part of the payment.
- Your dentist files your claims for you.
Whether you plan to visit your regular dentist or look for a new dentist, you can verify the TDP network status of any dentist.
Choosing a dentist outside the continental United States
Are you living outside the CONUS service area? The TDP OCONUS (outside the continental United States) service area includes all areas outside the CONUS service area and covered services provided on a ship or vessel outside the territorial waters of the CONUS service area. This is regardless of the dentist’s office address.
Like in the CONUS service area, you can get care from any licensed and authorized dentist. However, there are benefits to seeing a TRICARE OCONUS Preferred Dentist (TOPD). As noted in the TRICARE Dental Program Handbook, TOPDs won’t require you to pay their full charge at the time of service, only your applicable cost-share, if any. TOPDs will also complete and submit your claim submission documents to United Concordia.
If you’re in the OCONUS service area and need a dentist, you can search TOPDs near you.
If your dentist is interested in joining the TDP network, ask them to call United Concordia or complete the online application.
Looking for more TDP info, including tips for oral health care? Check out the latest TRICARE Dental Program Health Matters Newsletter.
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