Ask the Coder (544)

No, you may charge one or the other but not both.

Some carriers cover this charge for patients with gross periodontal disease, you must have a "medical necessity" to charge for the OHI in order for it to be paid. Some examples would be gross periodontal disease, moderate to severe gingivitis, and gross dental caries.

No, only the treating doctor may bill for his or her services. There is no special code for the dentist, he/she may only collect on the work performed and the anesthesiologist may collect on the work he/she performed.

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.

You may use D5862 (precision attachment, by report) You must explain in the "Remarks" area of the claim form what type of attachment you are using (i.e. flexi clasp) and why this type of clasp is necessary.

At this time we do not have the letter you are requesting, I will forward this request to the Director of Education for a sample letter to be created. Please check your members area within the next 3 weeks for your letter.

No, it should be billed as a single bitewing CDT code D0270

A follow-up visit after extractions is not billable, it is considered inclusive of the primary procedure.

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)