Ask the Coder (415)

The ADCA will be coming out with an orthodontic specific course and credentials late 2013.

It would depend on the dental software you are utilizing as to how payments are posted and how claims are regenerated, you will probably benefit from contacting your software vendor and having them give you a course on how the software works.

No, the purpose of a full mouth debridement D4355 is to remove enough calculus and plaques for an exam to be performed. There would be no "medical necessity" or valid clinical reason for a full mouth debridement D4355 and an adult prophylaxis to be performed on the same day. You are either doing an adult (more)

No, the code clearly states it is by tooth surface. Whether or not the decay touches has no bearing on the code.

If this removal was part of interdental fixation device for a fracture you get 20670 once. If this is a true arch bar removal and the arch bars were not placed by the treating dentist you need to bill dental D7997, if the arch bars were placed by the treating dentist this is not a (more)

CDT code D7270 is for reimplantation and/or stabilization of accidentally evulsed or displaced tooth...since there is no direct CPT code for this procedure you would use 41899 and send a descriptive narrative along with the claim.

The codes are specific to the procedure being performed without knowing what procedure the DDS is performing an answer can not be given.

The ICD-9-CM codes tell the story of why the procedure is being performed...so the correct ICD-9-CM code to accompany the CPT code of 70355 (panaromic film) wouid depend on why the film is being taken in the first place. Example panoramic film for closed subcondylar mandibular fracture the ICD-9-CM code would be 802.22 and the (more)

I would contact the insurance carrier and ask for an explanation as to why they are requesting you to change your CDT code when it does not match the description of the procedure performed.It could be that the carrier only covers full cast nobel metal crowns. Unfortunately, this is a carrier issue not a coding (more)

D0180 cannot be billed by the hygienist as their range of practice does not include exams...this may only be billed by the DDS