American Dental Coders Association | Dental Billing & Coding Certification Online

Certifying Dental Billing and Coding Professionals Nationwide

Ask the Coder (541)

Ask a Question
« Back to Full Questions List
    Answers
    Question
    1
    answer
    0
    Root Canal code for not being able to finish due to fracture root
    February 25, 2012 1:33 pm
    D3332 (incomplete endodontic therapy; inoperable, unrestorable or fractured tooth.
    Admin
    asked 14 years ago by
    ADCA Admin
    1
    answer
    0
    What can we charge if dentist removed plaque and calculus from #26 supra and subgingivallyfull and mouth deplaque performed?
    February 21, 2012 8:53 am
    If a full mouth debridement was performed you should use CDT D4355.
    Admin
    asked 14 years ago by
    ADCA Admin
    1
    answer
    0
    Is code D7955 a deleted code or is it one that can be used
    February 17, 2012 1:29 pm
    According to ADA 2011-2012 code sets this is a valid code and may be used.
    Admin
    asked 14 years ago by
    ADCA Admin
    1
    answer
    0
    I have a patient coming into the office who needs a 3 unit bridge replaced. The patient has medicare insurance. I know medicare does not pay for dental work but the patient has had cancer of the mouth and has lost his upper palate to cancer. The patient wears a Definitive obturator. The 3 unit brigde helps hold his obturator in. Well medicare pay for this and what ICD-9 code do I use. Thank You.
    February 15, 2012 7:49 am
    Most likely Medicare will not cover this procedure, you may contact Medicare and see if they will pre-authorize the procedure based on the systemic disease (cancer) and the need for a prosthesis to return normal functionality of chewing.
    Admin
    asked 14 years ago by
    ADCA Admin
    1
    answer
    0
    if kid is uncooperative to use prophy angel for prophy and dentist used a toothbrush to clean his teeth. Can it be submitted as a prophy?
    February 14, 2012 7:34 am
    No, in order to bill for a D1120 removal of plaque, calculus and stains from the tooth structure must be performed with a prophy angle not a toothbrush.
    Admin
    asked 14 years ago by
    ADCA Admin
    1
    answer
    0
    Hello this is a Medicaid dental billing question NY State.Taking a new patient in to the dental office and seeing the new patient for the first visit and the hygienist doing D1110 or D1120 and any necessary x-rays depending on age and then having the patient come back for the next appointment to sit down with the dentist for the complete intial examination code here age dependant and treatment plan. Is this acceptable dental Medicaid billing practice or should this all be done at one appointment is there a right or wrong here?
    February 10, 2012 5:32 am
    According to NY State Medicaid Dental Procedures and Code Guidelines, it does not state that an exam and cleaning must be preformed on the same visit. However, in most instances it is preferable to have the cleaning, exam and x-ray performed at the same time. There is no right or wrong on this particular issue.
    Admin
    asked 14 years ago by
    ADCA Admin
    1
    answer
    0
    If you have a new patient that presents to your office and sees the hygienist first and they show signs of periodontal disease and you perform D0180, D0330,and D1110 at the first visit and have the patient come back to see the doctor at the next visit within the next couple of weeks can the doctor then charge D0150 even though the D0180 was just charged.
    February 9, 2012 12:09 pm
    This would not be appropriate as a D0180 covers similiar aspects as a D0150. Having both of these exams performed within a couple of weeks may raise a concern with the insurance carrier. Having said that as long as the documentation is clear, present and the exams are necessary there is no rule stating you (more)
    Admin
    asked 14 years ago by
    ADCA Admin
    1
    answer
    0
    What HCPCS code would you bill for a Nasal Alveolar Molding Device or obturator? The DDS is billing the medical procedure as cpt 21080 and ICD-9 749.21. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
    February 7, 2012 8:50 pm
    Your CDT or HCPCS code range would be D5931-D5932 or D5936. D5931 Obturator prosthesis, surgical ( This is used as a temmporary prosthesis during or immediately following surgery and is typically utilized for 6 months to aid in healing.) D5932- Obturator prosthesis, definitive (this is intended for long term use) D5936- Obturator prosthesis, interim (Made (more)
    Admin
    asked 14 years ago by
    ADCA Admin
    1
    answer
    0
    I noticed that you have suggested coding appliances (sleep apnea, etc.) using 21089 for the appliance and 99002 for the handling. Per the CPT- 21089 should only be used when the physician actually designs and prepares the prosthesis (no outside lab)while 99002 is used for the handling, fitting & adjustment of an appliance fabricated by an outside lab (submitted with lab fee box 20). These codes are mutually exclusive. Please explain. Thanks!
    January 26, 2012 3:41 am
    Yes, you are correct. This answer was for an office that has a lab in house. If you are sending the impression to an outside lab you will only utilize CPT 99002, however, if you have a lab in house you will utilize 21089. Thank you for your correction.
    Admin
    asked 14 years ago by
    ADCA Admin
    1
    answer
    0
    What is the difference between external and internal bleaching per tooth? (D9973-D9974)Also, is there any difference in code between in-office bleaching and take-home tray bleaching? Thank you.
    January 12, 2012 9:24 am
    There are two different methods for external bleaching, the first is to have the dentist take impressions of the patients teeth so that custom trays (specifically for bleaching) can be made. When the trays are completed, you give the trays and a bleaching kit to the patient to take home so that they can bleach (more)
    Admin
    asked 14 years ago by
    ADCA Admin
    1 … 45 46 47 48 49 … 55

    Corporate Profile

    American Dental Coders Association
    9015 W Union Hills Dr Ste 107 #314
    Peoria, AZ 85382
    1-833-469-2322

    American Dental Coders Association BBB Business Review