Have you noticed CDT updates in dental coding yet? Wondering what it is? CDT is the new version of
American Dental Association’s codes on dental procedures. CDT codes are supposed to be used in
electronic healthcare transactions according to Federal HIPAA law. CDT dental codes 2021 must be
used while submitting claims to insurance companies for services performed on or after January 1,
2021.
There are 28 new codes involved in CDT updates for 2021. In addition to it four codes are deleted
along with several nomenclature and descriptor revisions. Most importantly, the coverage for new
codes depend on patient’s accurate benefit plan. The below updated codes will provide healthcare
professionals an idea on CDT in detail.
New Dental coding CDT codes for Image Capture Only:
As mentioned earlier, American Dental Association has introduced brand new 28 CDT codes accompanied
by seven revised codes, four deleted codes and 22 editorial changes.
Among these, CDT dental coding changes mainly include nine new codes for image capture alone and
they are D0701-D0709.
These codes are especially reported when a patient is focused on to a separate imaging facility or
healthcare professional to just capture the image only.
Image capture includes radiographic and photographic images captured during the date of service.
The dental professionals are requested to report the interpretation of imaging separately with the
existing dental codes.
These dental codes are aimed to improve reporting claims when a dentist refers a patient to another
dental professional and then receives the images for official interpretation.
The new dental coding CDT codes also allows separate work components those compromise on
interpretation encounters and to be more precise, these codes are reportable by the performing
healthcare professionals involved.
This scenario provides a chance for dental insurance companies to very precisely interpret and value
those claims as well as facilitate with accurate reimbursements.
The new CDT 2021 image capture that only codes D0701-D0709 has to upgrade
teledentistry claims submission process that has increased
significantly due to global pandemic.
New CDT Dental Coding Updates:
D0604: This code is used for Antigen testing for a public health related pathogen includes
coronavirus.
D0605: This code is used for Antigen testing for a public health related pathogen includes
coronavirus.
D0709: This code is used for Intraoral, a complete series of radiographic images and image capture
only.
D0707: This code is used for Intraoral- periapical radiographic image and image capture only.
D0706: This code is used for Intraoral – occlusal radiographic image and image capture only.
D0705: This code is used for Extra-oral posterior dental radiographic image and image capture only.
D0708: This code is used for Intraoral – bitewing radiographic image and image capture only.
D0701: This code is used for panoramic radiographic image and image capture only.
D0702: This code is used for 2-D Cephalometric radiographic image and image capture only.
D0703: This code is used for 2-D oral or facial photographic image obtained intraorally or
extraorally and image capture only.
D0704: This code is used for 3-D photographic image and image capture only.
D1321: This code is used for Counseling for the control and prevention of adverse oral, behavioral,
and systemic health effects linked with high-risk substance use.
D1355: This code carries preventive medicament application, per tooth.
D2928: This code is for prefabricated porcelain/ceramic crown-permanent tooth.
D3471: This code is used for surgical repair of root resorption – anterior.
D3472: This code is used for surgical repair of root resorption – premolar.
D3473: This code is used for surgical repair of root resorption – molar.
D3501: This code is used for surgical exposure of root surface without apicoectomy or repair of root
resorption – anterior.
D3502: This code is used for surgical exposure of root surface without apicoectomy or repair of root
resorption – premolar.
D3503: This code is used for surgical exposure of root surface without apicoectomy or repair of root
resorption – molar.
D5995: This code is used for periodontal medicament carrier with peripheral seal and laboratory
processed – maxillary.
D5996: This code is used for periodontal medicament carrier with peripheral seal -laboratory
processed mandibular.
D7993: This code is used for surgical placement of craniofacial implant – extra oral.
D7994: This code is used for surgical placement- zygomatic implant.
D6191: This code is used for Semi-precision abutment – placement.
Deleted codes:
D3427: This code is used for Periradicular surgery without apicoectomy.
D5994: This code is used for periodontal medicament carrier with peripheral seal -laboratory
processed.
Processing policies and Procedural Updates:
D0485: This code is for Consultation, including preparation of slides from biopsy material supplied
by referring source.
D6192: This code is for Semi-precision attachment – placement.
D7961: This code is for Buccal/labial frenectomy (frenulectomy).
D7962: This code is for Lingual frenectomy (frenulectomy).
D6052: This code is for Semi-precision attachment abutment.
D7960 : This code is used for Frenulectomy also known as frenectomy or frenotomy , separate
procedure not incidental to another procedure.
D0502: This code is used for other oral pathology procedures, by report.
D0601: This code Carries risk assessment and documentation, with a finding of low risk.
D0602: This code Carries risk assessment and documentation, with a finding of moderate risk.
D0603: This code Carries risk assessment and documentation, with a finding of high risk
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