TMJ Patient Protocols

WE DO NOT ROUTINELY SCHEDULE PATIENTS FOR TMJ EVALUATION WITHOUT A REFERRAL FROM ONE
OF OUR REFERRING DENTISTS. IF A PHYSICIAN/PHYSICIAN'S OFFICE CALLS TO REFER A TMJ PATIENT,
TRANSFER THEM ТО РСС.

• We generally do not accept medical provider referrals for TMJ patients. They MUST be referred
  by their dentist. Exceptions are made on a case by case basis, so if a physician/physician's office
  calls to refer a TMJ patient, or a patient has a written referral from their physician, please
  transfer to the PСС.
• Schedule up to one new patient per month, per doctor for New Patient TMJ Evaluations.
• If there are no openings, then the request can be sent to the PCC and CC: the Doctor to request
  the patient be scheduled outside of the parameters.
• Each doctor has a list of referrals that they will accept urgent TMJ referrals from. (see attached)
• Patients should receive an invitation to complete their TMJ evaluation forms upon scheduling,
  and must complete it at least 24 hours in advance of their appointment. The forms take about
  an hour to complete and CANNOT be done in the office. These forms can be linked to patient in
  email or via Leading Reach. If a patient must do the forms in-office, they will need to arrive at
  least one hour before their scheduled time.
• No TMJ consults (new patient) during peak season (November- January 15, March and June
  through August)
• When in doubt for any reason, connect the patient to the PCC for assistance.

Suggested language:
"I am happy to help you! TMJ evaluations are very specialized appointments. Whenever we schedule a new patient for a TMJ evaluation, there are several things we need to do in order to prepare for your visit. We want to make sure we have everything needed to take care of you. There are some things we need in advance. Do you have:
_a written referral from your dentist? (if they do not have a referral, then stop here and use suggested language part 2).
_ Have you already tried nightguard therapy? (If no, connect patient to the PCC so they can be referred back to their dentist or coordinate with the doctor about the case)
_ do you have your dental and medical insurance cards available?
_There are some highly specialized questionnaires for you to complete prior to your appointment. If I email those to you today, will you have them completed and returned at least the day before your appointment?
Suggested Language Part 2 (if they do not have a referral/are self-referred)
"It sounds like your case may require special coordination. Our surgeons require that all our TMJ patients first have a recent visit with their dentist regarding their TMJ concerns. You will need to receive a written referral and a copy of your records from the dentist when you reach back out to schedule your appointment the with surgeon.

You can have your dentist send the referral letter and records information over on your behalf, and email the information to us at info@alamooms.com

Each doctor will generally accept a TMJ referral from ANY DENTIST WHO CURRENTLY REFERS TO THEM.
They will accept referrals from MD's on a case by case basis, so connect those calls to the PCC for evaluation. In addition, if there is an urgency, there are some referrals for whom doctors will accept urgent referrals.

Urgent referrals accepted from:

Dr. Franco’s Referrals

I will accept urgent TMJ referrals from :

1. Mark Porter
2. Shane Porter
3. Bill Cruse
4. Alvarez/Beckel/Robbins
5. Lindsey Schlepp
6. David DeLaGarza

Dr. Buckley’s Referrals

Ferris Tyler
Boyle Joey
Hayden Susie
Riley James
Ferro Joey
Alexander Courtney
Miner Phil
Kozetsky Cherie
Pruski Shelli
Hulme Richard
Bourquein Robert
Little David
Wright Craig
Lindner Kristen
Potter Richard
Lunt Ned