Compliance programs are critical for DSOs to avoid legal troubles and ensure they are able to provide the highest quality service to providers and patients, according to Barry Lyon, DDS.
Dr. Lyon, dental director for Main Street Children’s Dentistry and Orthodontics and Dental Care Alliance, recently spoke with Becker’s about the importance of regulatory compliance for DSOs.
Editor’s note: This Q&A is part of a weekly series featuring Dr. Lyon focused on topics in the dental industry and DSO field. The views expressed are those of Dr. Lyon and do not necessarily reflect those of Main Street Children’s Dentistry and Orthodontics or Dental Care Alliance.
This response was lightly edited for clarity and length.
Dr. Barry Lyon:
A DSO continually crosses a minefield of legal and regulatory risks. Operating across multiple states, with multiple practices and regulatory requirements, means DSOs must have a well-functioning compliance program. The lack of one spells financial and legal jeopardy.
The list of potential legal exposures is a long one: coding and insurance regulations, state board statutes and regulations, and HIPAA privacy and security. DSOs cannot afford to overlook the necessity of being fully compliant. As a DSO increases its number of practices, the risks do not grow linearly and the ice upon which a DSO functions becomes thinner. Having a centralized compliance department that minimizes these risks is crucial.
DSOs owe it to their providers, staff and patients to be transparent with all aspects of their operations. To do otherwise creates an atmosphere of distrust and a lack of confidence in the mission goals of the company.
A strong compliance program safeguards the organization and its providers while ensuring patient safety. It allows for transparency and provides a level of confidence that the DSO is willing to operate for the public good.
