If your clinic has a computer-based system, the majority of the forms you need should be included in the software package that you use. Otherwise, you will need to select forms to use for many day-to-day clinic operations. Following is a list of forms that clinics may find useful:

• Examination
• Medical history
• Demographic and insurance/medical assistance information
• Periodontal charting
• Orthodontic charting
• Superbill
• Referral
• Informed consent
• Patient-education
• Prior approval

Superbill

The superbill (also known as the encounter form) links services provided to the information system and the billing process on a patient-by-patient, day-by-day basis. A superbill is generated for each patient visit and includes information about the number and type of services provided, by whom, to the system that generates bills. The health professional’s signature on the superbill makes it a legally binding document and attests to the fact that services were performed and may be billed for.

Some procedures may require prior approval by the third-party carrier. Terms are usually spelled out in third-party contracts. After the dentist formulates a treatment plan, it is submitted for prior approval, and approved services and amounts are assigned a code (often called a PA number) for billing when treatment is completed.

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