18 Underused CDT Codes that Dentists Should Consider

by | Last updated Jul 12, 2023 | Published on Jul 11, 2023 | Specialty Billing, Specialty Coding

Underused CDT Codes Worth Exploring
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Underused CDT codes refer to specific codes within the Current Dental Terminology (CDT) system that are not frequently utilized by dentists in their day-to-day practice. These codes represent procedures or services that may be less commonly performed or not widely recognized within the dental community. Professional dental coding companies are up to date with the latest CDT coding and also can help dental professionals utilize underused codes that may be relevant to their practice.

CDT codes are vital for dental practices to communicate treatment procedures and services to insurance providers. These standardized codes enable dental professionals to accurately document and bill for their services. The CDT coding system is continuously updated by the American Dental Association (ADA) to accommodate new dental procedures, technologies, and treatments. However, due to various factors such as limited awareness, specialized applicability, or evolving nature of certain procedures, some codes may not see widespread usage.

While most practices are familiar with commonly used CDT codes, there are many underused codes that can significantly benefit a dental practice. These codes usually represent services that are valuable in specific cases or for addressing complex dental conditions.

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List of Underused CDT Codes

Here are 18 underused CDT codes that dentists should consider:

  1. D0390 – Limited orthodontic treatment of the adolescent dentition
  2. D5992 – Adjust maxillofacial prosthetic appliance, by report
  3. D1520 – Space maintainer – removable – unilateral
  4. D1310 – Nutritional counseling for control of dental disease
  5. D2975 – Coping
  6. D7963 – Frenuloplasty
  7. D2999 – Unspecified restorative procedure, by report
  8. D3410 – Apicoectomy – anterior
  9. D4346 – Scaling in the presence of generalized moderate or severe gingival inflammation – full mouth, after oral evaluation
  10. D9220 – Internal root repair of perforation defects
  11. D7912 – Complicated suture – greater than 5 cm
  12. D7313 – Maxillofacial ultrasound capture and interpretation
  13. D5283 – Limited orthodontic treatment of the adult dentition
  14. D6610 – Retainer onlay – cast high noble metal, two surfaces
  15. D7972 – Surgical reduction of fibrous tuberosity
  16. D7992 – Deep sedation/general anesthesia – each 15 minute increment
  17. D7995 – Synthetic graft – mandible or facial bones, by report
  18. D7465 – Destruction of lesion(s) by physical or chemical method, by report

Using these CDT codes appropriately will enable dentists to capture and report the full range of services they provide, leading to more accurate documentation, improved insurance reimbursement, and better communication with insurance companies. It’s important to note that the usage of CDT codes may vary based on individual patient cases, treatment plans, and insurance coverage. Dentists should consult coding experts, review specific code descriptions and guidelines, and communicate with insurance providers to ensure accurate coding and billing practices within their dental practices.

Practices need to ensure that their dental team is well-versed in the underused CDT codes by conducting training sessions to familiarize them with the codes, their benefits, and how to accurately document procedures. This will ensure consistency and minimize errors in coding.

Partnering with an experienced dental billing company is an important decision that can greatly impact your practice’s efficiency, accuracy, and financial success. Key factors to consider when selecting a dental coding service provider include expertise and experience, accuracy and compliance, industry knowledge and updates, communication and support, security and confidentiality, and pricing.

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  • Natalie Tornese
    Natalie Tornese
    CPC: Director of Revenue Cycle Management

    Natalie joined MOS’ Revenue Cycle Management Division in October 2011. She brings twenty five years of hands on management experience to the company.

  • Meghann Drella
    Meghann Drella
    CPC: Senior Solutions Manager: Practice and RCM

    Meghann joined MOS’ Revenue Cycle Management Division in February of 2013. She is CPC certified with the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).

  • Amber Darst
    Amber Darst
    Solutions Manager: Practice and RCM

    Hired for her dental expertise, Amber brings a wealth of knowledge and understanding of the dental revenue cycle management (RCM) services to MOS.

  • Loralee Kapp
    Loralee Kapp
    Solutions Manager: Practice and RCM

    Loralee joined MOS’ Revenue Cycle Management Division in October 2021. She has over five years of experience in medical coding and Health Information Management practices.