Posted by arcticranger on January 24, 2012 at 06:24:30:

I've noticed that the procedure codes for MMA are not specific to an apnea condition. Many surgeons who specialize in jaw conditions like TMJ, gummy jaw, dental implants, are now also offering MMA. Here are two example websites. I hope this is allowed here.

http://facesthatsmile.com/index.htm

http://www.dralexgreenberg.com/procedures/orth_surg.html

FYI I don't know these doctors and have no way of saying they are not MMA experts. They both stated over the phone that they would perform an MMA for apnea, but I don't see any mention of apnea on their sites.

So here are my questions:

1) how is "true" apnea-oriented MMA different from jaw surgery for TMJ, chewing problems, etc. All involve moving the jaws and share the same procedure codes. Is it just a matter of degree of advancement or are there specific elements to apnea-related MMA surgery that are different?

2) how can a patient argue with an insurance company which is just looking at procedure codes? Telling them "but the in-network doctor has little or no experience treating apnea patients" just doesn't cut it. The procedure codes rule the decision.

3) are DDS's who mostly do dental implants and TMJ surgery typically qualified to do apnea-related MMA?

I hope someone can answer this as I am trying to avoid having my MMA done by a surgeon without the proper skill.

Follow Ups:

• Re: MMA vs TMJ doctors Marie 00:57 1/25/12 (1)
  • Re: MMA vs TMJ doctors arcticranger 03:49 1/30/12 (0)

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