Updates to CDT Codes for 2013 Show the ADA is Focused on New Technologies and Materials

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Dentalcompare
Clinical Director
 Dentalcompare Blog: ADA Updates CDT Codes for 2013

After a few months of hinting at updates for the extensive list of codes, the ADA has officially put into effect their latest edition of Current Dental Terminology, or CDT. Assuming most people these days are using some sort of practice management software, you should see the updates over the next few weeks if you have not already. Some people may have the updates automatically pushed to their software, as in the case of Dentrix.

A majority of the new codes fall into two larger categories. The first addresses changes we have seen in diagnostic imaging, especially with cone beam. The codes show ranges of upper jaw, lower jaw, or both arches, and even include a specific coding for machines that allow more focused field exposure. They also added codes for MRI and ultrasound of the cranium and face.

The other main area with new codes focuses on oral surgery, including grafting, removal of defective implants, sinus augmentation and more.

Interesting to note is that the ADA also included a new code for resin infiltration as with Icon, a new material from DMG America. It seems the ADA has taken a more proactive approach to embrace these new technologies and materials. Of course, the codes alone do not mean insurance companies will start covering any of these newer procedures, but at least we have a place to start.

Below you can find a list of some of the new codes. If you need more information, you can purchase the entire CDT Code book from the ADA on their site.

New CDT Codes:

CDT Code

Description

Patient Friendly Description

D0190

Screening of Patient

A screening to determine a persons need to be seen by a dentist for diagnosis

D0191

Assessment of Patient

A limited exam performed to identify signs of disease and potential need for referral for diagnosis

D0364

CT Capture, Lmtd View  < 1 Jaw

Cone beam CT scan of a portion of the jaw that can be used to aid diagnosis

D0365

CT Capture, Full Arch, Mandible

Cone beam CT scan of the upper jaw that can be used to aid diagnosis

D0366

CT Capture, Full Arch, Maxilla

Cone beam CT scan of the lower jaw that can be used to aid diagnosis

D0367

CT Capture, Both Jaws

Cone beam CT scan of both jaws that can be used to aid diagnosis

D0368

CT Capture, TMJ, 2+ Exposures

Cone beam CT scan of a portion of the jaw that can be used to aid diagnosis

D0369

Maxillofacial MRI Capture

MRI scan of the cranium and face that can be used to aid diagnosis

D0370

Maxillofacial Ultrasnd Capture

Ultrasound scan of the cranium and face that can be used to aid diagnosis

D0371

Sialoendoscopy Capture

Image capture during endoscopic examination of salivary gland used to aid diagnosis

D0380

CT Image, Lmtd View  < 1 Jaw

CT scan for image of a portion of the jaw that can be used to aid diagnosis

D0381

CT Image, Full Arch, Mandible

CT scan for image of the upper jaw that can be used to aid diagnosis

D0382

CT Image, Full Arch, Maxilla

CT scan for image of the lower jaw that can be used to aid diagnosis

D0383

CT Image, Both Jaws

CT scan for image of both jaws that can be used to aid diagnosis

D0384

CT Image, TMJ, 2+ Exposures

CT scan for image of a portion of the jaw that can be used to aid diagnosis

D0385

Maxillofacial MRI Image

MRI scan for image of the cranium and face that can be used to aid diagnosis

D0386

Maxillofacial Ultrasnd Image

Ultrasound scan for image of the cranium and face that can be used to aid diagnosis

D0391

Inter. Diagnostic Img, Oth Prov

Interpretation of diagnostic image by a professional that did not capure the image

D1208

Topical Application of Fluoride

Topical fluoride applied to all teeth

D2929

Prefab Porcelain/C Crown-Prim

Crown restoration made of a Porcelain based restorative material

D2981

Inlay Repair, Material Failure

Inlay repair

D2982

Onlay Repair, Material Failure

Onlay repair

D2983

Veneer Repair, Material Failure

Veneer Repair

D2990

Resin Infiltration-Surf Lesions

Resin Infiltration

D4212

Gingivectomy-Access/Restoration

Reshaping of the gums to allow acces for restorative procedure

D4277

Soft Tissue Graft, 1st Tooth

Graft soft tissue to replace gum tissue in another area for the first tooth

D4278

Soft Tissue Graft, Each Add'l

Graft soft tissue to replace gum tissue in another area for each additional tooth

D6051

Interim Abutment

Placement or removal of a temporary Abutment

D6101

Debride Peri-Implant Defect

Surgical removal of defective implant

D6102

Debride/Oss Peri-Implant Defect

Surgical removal of defective implant

D6103

Bone Graft Rep Peri-Imp Defect

Bone graft for repair of defective implant

D6104

Bone Graft, Implant Placement

Bone graft done at the time an implant is placed

D7921

Coll/App Autologous Blood Conc

Collection and application of blood collected from the patient

D7952

Sinus Augment,Vertical Approach

Sinus augmentation with bone or bone substitutes

D9975

External Bleaching-Home-Arch

Tooth whitening from outsite the tooth, per arch

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