Ask the Coder (559)

When you say "drugs" be more specific. Are you referring to other sedative medications? I cannot see why other medications would not be covered because moderation sedation was used. This may also be payer specific and/or plan specific. You might also want to document the reason for needing any additional medications (ie: patient was autistic (more)

The rationale behind D9311 is to consult with the patient’s healthcare professional before beginning active treatment to ensure that all potentially dangerous medical conditions are discussed and the best course of treatment is collaborated for the patient’s safety. This exchange of information must be recorded in the patient’s’ clinical notes as a document, audio file (more)

There is not a separate code for toothbrush deplaquing. This service would be included in the prophy code, either D1110 (adult) or D1120 (child).

CEU's are not required

I agree. D9310 would be the correct code for this service. D9310 consultation - diagnostic service provided by dentist or physician other than requesting dentist or physician; A patient encounter with a practitioner whose opinion or advice regarding evaluation and/or management of a specific problem; may be requested by another practitioner or appropriate source. The (more)

Yes, these codes may be used together.

You can certainly charge out radiographs with restorations. You have to be mindful of the plan limitations set in place by the carrier. If a patient has had a full mouth series done within a specified time limit the bitewings and pa’s may not be covered because the patient has exceeded their limit. There are (more)

By report means you must send in a dictated report from the dentist on the procedure and how it was preformed, along with the claim submission.

I would not send a narrative for this procedure, but the very detailed clinical documentation stating the necessity of the procedure. Unless the patient has implant coverage with their insurance carrier, in most cases the procedure is likely to be denied. Therefore, indicating the need to send as much documentation as possible IF the procedure (more)

Medical cross codes for examinations are based off documentation, there is no way to cross code this without seeing the documentation in the chart please refer to your CPT coding manual to select the most appropriate code; Examination code ranges: New patient 99202-99205, Established patient 99212-99215 As for the rest cross codes are as follows: (more)