Ask the Coder (537)

D0470

More specifically where is your biopsy? Most likely, if you are coding dental, you are going to use 20240 (superficial), but I would hate to say without hearing specifically where this biopsy is taking place. 20240: The physician performs an open biopsy on bone to confirm a suspected growth, disease, or infection. With the patient (more)

D0274 - bitewings - four radiographic images The vertical bitewing positioning allows an image of up to two molars to be taken, showing part of the periodontal ligaments. The horizontal bitewing positioning allows up to three molars to be viewed with one image. Report D0270 for a single film bitewing, D0272 for two bitewing films, (more)

D6080: implant maintenance procedures when prostheses are removed and reinserted, including cleansing of prostheses and abutments; This procedure includes active debriding of the implant(s) and examination of all aspects of the implant system(s), including the occlusion and stability of the superstructure. The patient is also instructed in thorough daily cleansing of the implant(s). This is (more)

You are asking for the diagnosis code for a limited oral evaluation that is problem focused. When an exam is problem focused you must use the diagnosis that the patient presents with that has made the exam problem-focused (the dental emergency, trauma and/or infection).

To the adcaonline.org owner, Your posts are always well-received and appreciated.

D2950 should be bill the day it is rendered to avoid denial for inclusive reasons, and you should always bill for what you do on the DOS. D2950 is considered a stand alone code, and is commonly denied for inclusive procedure when coded with a crown code on the same DOS without a seat date. (more)

D9630: drugs or medicaments dispensed in the office for home use; Includes, but is not limited to oral antibiotics, oral analgesics, and topical fluoride; does not include writing prescriptions.

There is no code specific to just reattaching the locator abutment. I would say that you should bill D6199 and include documentation reporting what was completed.

You're stating that the insurance downcoded the procedure based upon the evidence of the perio chart? It would depend on if you are in network or out of network with the insurance company as to how they process the difference when they downcode the procedure. If you are in network, it's likely that they process (more)