Ask the Coder (539)

Each carrier has there own set criteria, however, in general the following must be present. 1. pocket depths must be 4mm-5mm or higher 2. Bleeding must be present 3. Gross plaque and/or calculus present 4. Either periodontal surgery was performed or full mouth debridement prior to RPS

Hi! There is not particular dedicated CDT code for all laser therapy in dentistry. Laser procedures are typically billed under existing CDT codes that describe the specific procedure performed, regardless of whether a laser was used. Example: laser-assisted perio therapy can be billed under D4240, D4241, D4260, or D4261, depending on the specific tx. Some (more)

Yes, anytime x-rays are taken they should be charged out so the insurance company is able to keep track of procedures performed on the patient.

No it is not considered bilateral...however you would have two codes one for the maxillary and one for the mandibular. If the jaw sugery was performed on both upper and lower, right and left sides then you would have a bilateral upper and lower jaw surgery.

You may only submit CE's in your members dashboard, please login to your dashboard. If you have a fourth tab that appears stating CEU you are eligible to submit if no tab appears you are not eligible to submit CE's at this time or you have acquired the correct amount of CE's for the year.

Usually this means exams,x-rays and cleanings only. However you should contact the carrier for specifics on what they consider to be included in "preventative & diagnostic " services.

You are only allowed to give a contracutal adjustment on insurance patients; if you are not charging the patient their co-pay or co-insurance amounts this is considered fraud. It is considered highly inappropriate!

The place of service code would depend on whether the patient was an inpatient or outpatient of the hospital Inpatient - 21 Outpatient - 22 Ambulatory Surgical Center - 24

You may purchase a book through the National Dental Advisory Service called Comprehensive Fee Report. There website is www.ndas.com