Ask the Coder (415)

A full mouth series usually consists of 14-22 periapical and posterior bitewing images that are intended to display the crowns and roots of all the teeth. Since a panoramic film is not intraoral it would not be appropriate to code this as a full mouth series. You will need to seperate out the codes, if (more)

Since the procedure described "file away the natural tooth crown" does not fit with coronectomy D7251 you must use an unlisted oral surgery procedure code D7999. The "root cap" does not have a specified code either, therefore your choices are D2940 if the restorative material is temporary, D2999 unspecified restorative procedure, by report if the (more)

If the dentist plans on attaching the denture to the roots or implants then the answer is YES! You would code this as an overdenture. D5860-D5861

Since there is no specific code for suture removal you would use D7999 (unspecified oral surgery procedure, by report). You will need to send a short narrative along with the claim explaining what was preformed.

Unfortunately you are not able to code this as a full mouth series because there are no PA films included. If you are taking a pano and six bitewing films, you are limited as to coding. The way you have coded this is appropriate and correct. If the carrier is not paying on this claim (more)

D9230 is an appropriate code for Nitrous Oxide Inhalation, and D9248 would be the most appropriate for Halcion.

According to the ADA it is acceptable to submit a claim for services on the prep date, however, most carrier guidelines require the claim to be submitted on the seat date. Whether you are contracted or not has no bearing on how a carrier pays a claim, they will follow their particular guidelines on reimbursement. (more)

As long as it is not in connection with the same tooth, most carriers will not allow any other codes in connection with D9110 other than radiographs (x-rays).

D9971 Odontoplasty 1-2 teeth; includes removal of enamel projections.

If the filling is solely on the Occusal surface it is considered a 1-surface filling regardless of the location of the decay. Example: If the doctor drills into the occlusal surface and the lingual surface of the tooth then it would be considered a 2-surface filling, if he drills into the occusal, lingual and buccal (more)