One thing that stays constant is change — and there’s no exception when it comes to CDT codes.

The ADA’s code maintenance committee has released the additions, deletions, and editorial changes that will take effect on January 1, 2023. Code revisions take place based on the best interests of the profession, patients, and payers and will have varied effects based on their relevance and code usage for each dentist. The most notable changes for 2023 include revisions to the definition of an FMX and added tomosynthesis codes.

 

Here’s What’s New for 2023

  • 22 new codes
  • 2 deleted codes
  • 14 revised codes

Keep in mind that a new or revised code does not dictate reimbursement from insurance providers. In fact, codes may be recognized but not reimbursed at all. Consider it a language of sorts that providers and insurance companies understand; it helps communicate the services provided in numerical terms.

 

Updating Your System Annually With Code Revisions

  • Helps clarify treatment for team members, patients, and third-party payers
  • Provides accurate estimates for your patient base
  • Enables proper reimbursement from third-party payers

Most carriers notify in-network providers of their requirements and reimbursement protocols prior to the end of the year.

 

We Encourage You to Follow a Three-Part Protocol Annually

  • Reach out to insurance companies you’re contracted with to review processing guidelines for upcoming changes
  • Facilitate a team meeting where you discuss CDT changes and how their impact may shift chart note records, posting, and patient communication for the procedures you offer

  • Set fees for new codes and remove deleted codes from your billing software

 

 

22 New Codes


D0372 Intraoral tomosynthesis – comprehensive series of radiographic images
D0373 Intraoral tomosynthesis – bitewing radiographic image
D0374 Intraoral tomosynthesis – periapical radiographic image
D0387 Intraoral tomosynthesis – comprehensive series of radiographic
images, image capture only
D0388 Intraoral tomosynthesis – bitewing radiographic image,
image capture only
D0389 Intraoral tomosynthesis – periapical radiographic image,
image capture only
D0801 3D dental surface scan – direct
D0802 3D dental surface scan – indirect
D0803 3D facial surface scan – direct
D0804 3D facial surface scan – indirect
D1781 Vaccine administration – human papillomavirus – Dose 1
D1782 Vaccine administration – human papillomavirus – Dose 2
D1783 Vaccine administration – human papillomavirus – Dose 3
D4286 Removal of non-resorbable barrier
D6105 Removal of implant body not requiring bone removal or flap elevation
D6106 Guided tissue regeneration – resorbable barrier, per implant
D6107 Guided tissue regeneration – non-resorbable barrier, per implant
D6197 Replacement of restorative material used to close an access opening of a screw-retained implant supported prosthesis, per implant
D7509 Marsupialization of odontogenic cyst
D7956 Guided tissue regeneration, edentulous area
resorbable barrier, per site
D7957 Guided tissue regeneration, edentulous area
non-resorbable barrier, per site
D9953 Reline custom sleep apnea appliance (indirect)

 

 

5 Deleted Codes


D0351 3D photographic image
D0704 3D photographic image – capture only

 

 

14 Revised Codes


D0120 The term “complete” series of radiographic images was replaced with “comprehensive” and the language defining 14-22 films was removed. Including edentulous and interproximal areas was added
D0393 Revised definition: “virtual treatment simulation using 3D image volume or surface scan”
D0709 Replaced “complete” with “comprehensive” series of radiographic images, image capture only. No longer defines the series to 14-22 images, added inclusion of interproximal and edentulous areas
D3333 Removed “filing claim” and added “same provider”.
D4240 Removed “or external root resorption”
D4241 Removed “or external root resorption”
D4266 Added “natural teeth,” “defects around natural teeth,” and removed “peri-implant defects”
D4267 Added “natural teeth” and removed “includes membrane removal”.  Defined that it can be used for periodontal defects around natural teeth, removed “and peri-implant defects.”
D4355 Replaced “oral” evaluation with “periodontal” evaluation. Removed language requiring a separate visit to complete a
D0150, D0160 or D0180
D4921 Added “with a medicinal agent” per quadrants, removing the requirement to use a prescription medicinal agent
D7251 Added “impacted teeth only” to the definition
D8000-D8999 Removed language referring to interceptive procedures, allows limited or comprehensive procedures to be repeated based on
clinical rationale.
D9110 Palliative treatment of dental pain – removed terms “emergency” and “minor procedure” and added “treatment that relieves pain but is not curative; services provided do not have distinct procedure codes”
D9450 Added case presentation “subsequent to” detailed and extensive treatment planning.  Removed “established patient. Not performed on same day as evaluation”

 

Reach out to your Burkhart Account Manager or Burkhart’s Practice Support Team with your questions regarding changes in codes, coding strategies to maximize reimbursement, and analyzing managed care participation in your practice.

 


Your success is our success. Please reach out to us anytime.
Learn more, visit the Practice Support Team page, email us at PracticeSupportTeam@BurkhartDental.com, or call 1.800.665.5323.

Burkhart Dental Supply – Practice Support Team

Category: Practice Consulting

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