Ask the Coder (537)

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)

This code is to be used on a per visit basis, some carriers will allow for it to be billed per quadrant while others consider it to be a one time billable charge. You need to review your carrier contracts for exact usage.

According to coding guidelines an adjustment done post delivery of a crown or bridge is included in the original fee and is not billed seperately, unless the adjustment is being done more than 30 days after the initial delivery.

You always want to fully disclose to the insurance company how a contract or treatment is being proposed or paid for by the patient. Yes, it is ok to bill this way!

Third molars are coded in box 24 D of the CMS form It should look like this: 41899 UL 41899 UR 59 41899 LL 59 41899 LR 59 The UL, LL, LR & UR are placed in the first modifier field, the 59 is placed in the second modifier filed and is appened to the (more)

The code is located by going to the alphabetic index and looking up the main term Discoloration, from there you will look up the subterm mouth and it give you ICD-9 code 528.9

This procedure does not require a modifier as the 21040 (excision of benign tumor or cyst of mandible, by enucleation and/or currettage) and 21215 (Graft, bone, mandible/including obtaining graft) are seperate procedures. You may append modifier 51 however it is not necessary in this instance.

This forum is for coding questions only. Please contact technical support for any book or class related issues. support@adcaonline.org

In regards to your first question about the practice exams, you need to follow the instructions in your book. Step one: log onto to the website indicated in your book Step two: in the top right corner click on the "Register Now tab" Step three: register yourself with a user name and password As for (more)

Yes, the patient's policy should be primary. There would be only one exception if both carriers abide by the policy that has been in effect the longest then the mother's policy would be primary.