Admin – Answers

posted January 26, 2012 3:41 am in reply to I noticed that you have suggested coding appliances (sleep apnea, etc.) using 21089 for the appliance and 99002 for the handling. Per the CPT- 21089 should only be used when the physician actually designs and prepares the prosthesis (no outside lab)while 99002 is used for the handling, fitting & adjustment of an appliance fabricated by an outside lab (submitted with lab fee box 20). These codes are mutually exclusive. Please explain. Thanks!

posted January 12, 2012 9:24 am in reply to What is the difference between external and internal bleaching per tooth? (D9973-D9974)Also, is there any difference in code between in-office bleaching and take-home tray bleaching? Thank you.

posted January 4, 2012 1:34 pm in reply to When doing the following: D0220, D0230, D0240 does the size of the film matter if the required x-ray is being done? example- D0220 on a larger size film.

posted January 3, 2012 7:28 pm in reply to When charging for Biologic Materials, is it done per tooth, quadrant, or site?

posted January 3, 2012 7:20 pm in reply to Can I code for a 4 or more teeth for periodontal osseous surgery if the actual teeth with pockets are only 3 but extends between 4 or more teeth? For example teeth with 5 mm pockets are #'s 17, 18, 24. Would this be considered 4 or more teeth since the surgeon would need to access over 4 teeth to effectively perform the surgery?

posted December 20, 2011 9:45 am in reply to If the doctor trims some healthy gum tissue to give a crown or bridge more tooth to adhere to, what gingivectomy type code should we use? Thank you.

posted December 17, 2011 1:28 pm in reply to If a patient wants a crown fabricated at a lab that is more expensive than the lab usually used for a better cosmetic outcome- can I balance bill the patient for the amount that is not covered by her dental insurance?

posted December 15, 2011 1:05 pm in reply to What can be done when two insurances are claiming to be secondary? I have called numerous times to both insurance companies and neither wants to budge, I have had the subscriber call and is getting the same result. Any suggestion welcome

posted December 14, 2011 10:11 am in reply to I have a dentist that would like all new patients to receive a D1110 before exam and x-rays are taken or perio charted. Our concern is that if after patient has exam and x-ray and perio chart, patient needs D4341/ D4342 wouldnt it be questionable one why did a D1110. I have told her about D4355 but refuses to use code stating patients dont need D4355.We have 5 dentist in total 4 disagree with her, so now its has fallen on me , stating that it is an insurnace issue. As far as I am concern we dont let insurance dictate treatment but again how do we justify a doing a D1110 and a week later D4341/D4342.

posted November 30, 2011 3:49 pm in reply to I have a question, I work for a Endodontist and Dr. wants to start billing for a 6 month check up how would I bill that?