One thing that stays constant is change — and there’s no exception when it comes to CDT codes!
The ADA’s Code Maintenance Committee met twice this year to approve changes and additions in light of the pandemic. Code revisions take place based on the best interests of the profession, patients, and payers. The most notable additions this year include specific codes for sleep apnea treatment.
Here’s What’s New for 2022
- 16 new codes
- 5 deleted codes
- 13 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 Four-Part Protocol Annually
- Reach out to insurance companies you’re contracted with to review processing guidelines for upcoming changes
- Meet with your team to 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
- Remove deleted codes from your billing software
16 New Codes |
|
|---|---|
| D3911 | Intraorifice barrier (not to be used as a final restoration) |
| D3921 | Decoronation or submergence of an erupted tooth (intentional removal of coronal portion of tooth with preservation of the root) |
| D4322 | Splint – intra-coronal; natural teeth or prosthetic crowns |
| D4323 | Splint – extra-coronal; natural teeth or prosthetic crowns |
| D5227 | Immediate maxillary partial denture – flexible base (includes clasps, rests, and teeth) |
| D5228 | Immediate mandibular partial denture – flexible base (includes clasps, rests, and teeth) |
| D5725 | Rebase hybrid prosthesis (to replace base material connected to framework) |
| D5765 | Soft liner for complete or partial removable denture – indirect |
| D6198 | Remove interim implant component |
| D7298 | Removal of temporary anchorage device screw plate, requiring flap |
| D7299 | Removal of temporary anchorage device, requiring flap |
| D7300 | Removal of temporary anchorage device without flap |
| D9912 | Pre-visit patient screening |
| D9947 | Custom sleep apnea appliance fabrication and placement |
| D9948 | Adjustment of custom sleep apnea appliance |
| D9949 | Repair of custom sleep apnea appliance |
5 Deleted Codes |
|
|---|---|
| D4320 | See code D4322 |
| D4321 | See code D4323 |
| D8050 | See code D8010 |
| D8060 | See code D8020 |
| D8690 | Not replaced, deemed obsolete |
13 Revised Codes |
|
|---|---|
| D0120 | Language added “the findings are discussed with the patient” |
| D0180 | Language added to include a mandatory oral cancer screening as part of the evaluation |
| D2971 | Clarifies that D2971 reports the customization of a crown to fit under a partial denture framework and is reported along with the crown code |
| D4265 | Clarifies that reporting for D4265 is done on a per site basis |
| D4276 | Removed the word “double” from a pedicle graft |
| D6012 | Removed language that implied the placement of an interim implant body for a transitional prosthesis does not necessarily require its removal during final restoration |
| D6051 | Clarified that D6051 only reports the placement of the interim implant abutment and not the removal |
| D6100 | Revision clarifies that the surgical removal of the implant body should be reported separately |
| D7292 | Revision clarifies that D7292 reports just the placement, not the removal, of a temporary anchorage device |
| D7293 | Revision clarifies that D7293 reports just the placement, not the removal, of a temporary anchorage device |
| D7294 | Revision clarifies that D7294 reports just the placement, not the removal, of a temporary anchorage device |
| D9613 | Revision clarifies therapeutic drug administration is reported per quadrant and not by single or multiple sites |
| D9997 | Language added “or incapacitation” and “customized” to further clarify services provided for patients with special needs |
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.
Category: Practice Consulting
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