Ask the Coder (163)

More specifically where is your biopsy? Most likely, if you are coding dental, you are going to use 20240 (superficial), but I would hate to say without hearing specifically where this biopsy is taking place. 20240: The physician performs an open biopsy on bone to confirm a suspected growth, disease, or infection. With the patient (more)

To my knowledge, there is no way to bill for the lab ( steps involved until denture is complete ) to the insurance. if patient does not show up to pick complete the process, you can bill with a narrative to get some payment ( reimburse for your time and lab fee). I know my (more)

Yes but in many cases the insurance will downgrade it to a D2393 and pay it as that code. I've recently dealt with this with a patient with Guardian insurance.

Segment your X-rays based on those taken in the series. It is important o understand the CARC or RARC on the RA. Unfortunately, some benefit plans consider an FMX the came and a Pano, although they are for different purposes.

It all depends on the carrier. Most carriers will have you bill out the D0145 code until the child is over 3 years of age. However, some want you to bill the initial as D0145 and then the subsequent visits as D0120. You need to check with your utilization review guidelines for your state.

D9940 is an occlusal guard this procedure will require a brief narrative to prove medical necessity. It is a removable dental appliance and is designed to minimize the effects of bruxism and other occlusal factors. D7880 is an orthotic device which also requires a brief narrative to prove medical necessity, however this device is used (more)

Thank you for your answers. I am still confused. Could I use code D5640 Replace broken teeth? even if the teeth are not broken? they are just worn out. please help clarify

No. A tooth number is not required for this code, as this service is not pertinent to a tooth. D7410 is the excision of a lesion from the inside of the mouth. The length of the lesion is required in order to select the code, however. D7410 excision of benign lesion up to 1.25 cm

Did you submit the medical records for the necessity of the procedure? Be honest and open in your documentation - send medical records indicating the necessity of the procedure and a diagnosis to support what was done. You may want to also include a detailed letter that is descriptive of the necessity along with the (more)

I'm sorry. I am not completely understanding your question. There is a big difference between the codes D0705, D0251 and D0274. D0274 bitewings - four radiographic images D0705 extra-oral posterior dental radiographic image - image capture only; Image limited to exposure of complete posterior teeth in both dental arches. This is a unique image that (more)