Navigate reimbursements with CDT 2019

Not many reimbursement processes come with a roadmap. It usually takes making sharp turns, avoiding accidents and great maneuvering skills to get reimbursed for your hard work. Using CDT reference guides from the ADA will give you an easy-to-use roadmap and get you to your reimbursement quickly.

Why are CDT codes so important to dentists and their teams?

They help you get reimbursed quickly and accurately document your services. They also help you avoid rejected claims. The new CDT 2019 manual from the ADA includes code sets to address three top-of-mind concerns for dental professionals today:

• Delivery of non-opioid drugs for pain management
• Use of translation services
• Measuring and documenting glucose levels just prior to a procedure

In addition, it includes 15 new codes, five revised codes and four deleted codes to make sure you’re receiving the most up-to-date information possible.

How does the CDT Companion help me use the right codes?

It leads you to the right codes by providing examples, in addition to over 100 tricky coding scenarios to help you figure out which ones apply to the services you’re providing.

For example, do you know the different implant codes to use with vs. without an abutment? In this instance, you have a patient who needs a custom abutment. How do you code the custom abutment and placement?

D6057   custom abutment placed

The CDT Companion also includes 175 common coding Q&A, descriptions of new CDT codes and revisions, and a section on ICD-10 Diagnosis Codes.

How can I access the codes when I’m on the go?

The CDT Code Check App is a handy way to quickly search for the codes you need to document your services and receive your reimbursements.

What is an example of a tricky scenario that I may face?

Let’s say you order a consultation with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for one of your patients. The patient, a 19-year-old female, presents for evaluation and treatment of a dentigerous cyst, associated with an impacted supernumerary tooth in the area of No. 20, displaced inferiorly and is encroaching on the left mental foramen. After examination, you determine that total removal of the supernumerary tooth risks injury to the inferior alveolar nerve. What procedure codes would be used to document the services delivered today and planned for a future date?

For today’s consultation: D9310 consultation – diagnostic service provided by dentist or physician other than requesting dentist or physician. For the planned procedure: D7251 coronectomy – intentional partial tooth removal.

The CDT 2019 and Companion with Code Check App Kit (K219BTi) includes complete resources to improve your coding and your bottom line at the same time. If you’re ready to use this roadmap now, go to ADAcatalog.org or call 800-947-4746. Use promo code 18900 to save 20 percent on all ADA Catalog products.

~American Dental Association

This content is sponsored and does not necessarily reflect the views of ASDA.