Join Dr David Hallett and Dr Annalene Weston in our latest RiskMatters podcast ‘Why are item numbers so important?’. This insightful discussion on dental item numbers will cover the appropriate use of the ADA glossary codes and in contrast their inappropriate use. Listen as we explore key topics such as why dental practitioners are audited by health funds and Medicare, how the process works and what the best possible outcomes are. Also, find out why dental records are important when it comes to verifying the claims you make. 1.25 – Who writes the Glossary? 1.56 – Health Funds and billing in a multi-appointment procedure 4.45 – Medicare regulation and the use of the Glossary codes 5.30 – Why was I selected for a Medicare or Health Fund audit? 11.35 – Upcoding 17.00 – Release of patient records to Health Funds 19.55 – Dental records and their importance in verifying claims 24.10 – Audit outcomes 31.05 – Potential consequences of a negative audit finding on your provider number 37.10 – Splitting treatment codes over Health Fund years 42.23 – Study model or working model? 46.10 – Treating friends and family members