Get paid above and beyond for going above and beyond!

Date: 08/29/23

We are so grateful for all our Smiles for Life certified physicians who are helping improve oral health in Louisiana, one fluoride varnish application at a time.  

Did you know? Louisiana Medicaid reimburses $24.05 each time fluoride varnish is applied. Services are limited to once every six months.

PLUS—eligible providers now get an extra $10 each time they apply fluoride varnish on a Louisiana Healthcare Connections member.

That means you get $34.05 every time you apply fluoride varnish on eligible recipients ages 6 months through 5 years with at least one tooth eruption.

Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC’S) & Rural Health Clinics (RHC’S)

• Fluoride varnish services are included in all-inclusive encounter, when services are performed, CPT code 99188 should be added to the claim for tracking/monitoring purposes. FQHC’s and RHC’s do qualify for our additional $10 incentive!

Remember: The only way for your important work to be recognized is by submitting claims correctly.

To ensure you get reimbursed, use the reimbursements codes below and be sure that your Provider Network Representative has your Smiles for Life certification. Learn more.

NOTE: To ensure prompt reimbursement, proof of Smiles for Life certification should be provided to your Provider Network Representative or forwarded to our Credentialing department at LHC_Provider_Credent@Centene.com.

Not Smiles for Life certified? No problem, you can get certified in less than 40 minutes!

3 easy steps to get certified:

1. Login to Smiles for Life or register if you don't have an account.
2. Watch the Caries Risk Assessment, Fluoride Varnish, and Counseling video. (30 minutes)
3. Take the 10-question Caries Risk Assessment quiz.

Who Can Apply Fluoride Varnish?

• Pediatricians
• Nurse Practitioners
• Physician Assistants
• Registered Nurses
• Licensed Practical Nurses
• Certified Medical Assistants

For additional resources, please view our fluoride varnish provider toolkit.

Additional information about the Professional Services Fluoride Varnish Program Policy (including reimbursement, coding, and AAP recommendations) can be found at the Louisiana Department of Health's website. 

To learn more about the benefits of fluoride varnish application visit the Well Ahead LA website.