Ask the Coder (542)

Medicare has a handbook on correct billing guidelines for dental procedures: http://cms.hhs.gov/site-search/search-results.html?q=billing%20for%20manual%20for%20dental Article 140

The most appropriate code would be D7970

The code D2751 includes the crown prep, anesthetic, temporary crown and permanent crown. It does not include a crown build up, crown lenthening, or pins...these are billable seperately.

Yes, this would be considered a core build-up...D2950

Yes, removal of root tips and the removal of a benign odontogenic cyst is billable in the same day.

If the filling is a final resotration you would use code D2391

The 72 hour period starts when your exam is released.

Yes, you may make a correction on the claim form in the remarks area stating "Claim Correction" and refile with code D1352.

D2950 and D2952 are not to be billed in conjunction with one another, you either get D2950 (core build-up including pins) or you get D2952 (custom fabrication).

Usually this would be considered an inclusive part of the original procedure and is not billable. However, you may try billing D9999 and include a brief narrative for consideration.