Ask the Coder (423)

This code is dependent on provide documentation.This code is for patients presenting to the office with a specific problem or dental emergency. It is not used for routine dental visits or second opinions.

D9999 accompanied with a short narrative is the most appropriate code.

No using D9310 within the same office is inappropriate. The correct way would be to use D0150 for the general dentist first "initial" visit and then use D0160 for the referral to the oral surgeon.

The most appropriate code is D2999, you must submit a short narrative along with the code.

Yes, that is correct.

Yes, you can still see the patient. You will have to bill the private insurance first and when you receive the EOB you will attach it to the claim and submit to Medicaid.

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.

Depending on the carrier, usually it will be bill out on seperate lines. You will need to put an explanation in the remarks area of the claim.

D0145 is for children under 3 years of age only...without knowing how old the child is we cannot give an appropriate answer to your question at this time.

The answer depends on if the hygienist is an affiliated dental hygienist or a registered dental hygienist...without this knowledge an appropriate answer cannot be given,