When it comes to dental coding, things can get confusing. After all, many codes are only a digit apart. For instance, when billing x-rays, three similar codes are D0210, D0220, and D0230. They can easily be confused and lead to coding errors. In this ongoing...
CDT codes play a crucial role in dentistry, particularly in dental billing and insurance processes. CDT codes are a comprehensive set of procedural identifiers developed and updated annually by the ADA. They serve as a universal “dental coding” language that allows billing staff to accurately...
In the pursuit of a longer, healthier life, understanding the vital role dental professionals play in assessing and treating gum disease is paramount. Beyond achieving a dazzling smile, maintaining optimal oral health has far-reaching implications for overall well-being. By addressing gum disease through non-surgical periodontal treatment,...
It’s tempting to think that once a patient provides their insurance coverage, all we need to do is send a claim and receive payment. Unfortunately, that’s wishful thinking. Insurance plans are full of regulations and provisions that we need to wade through before determining if...
With each new year comes changes in dental billing. Whether it's updates to software, dental codes, or insurance plans, the field is constantly evolving. One item updated for 2024 is the ADA claim form. The form is required for all dental claims and hasn’t been...
Dental insurance plans are full of clauses and provisions, which can lead to confusion when billing a dental claim. There's a lot to remember, whether it’s waiting periods, alternative benefit downgrades, or missing tooth clauses. Speaking of missing tooth clauses, what are they? In the...
There are over 800 current CDT codes, with 14 new ones coming in January 2024. That’s a lot to keep up with for any dental biller. It’s no surprise that a common reason for dental denials is incorrect coding. In this ongoing series, we will...
Specialty dental billing may appear intimidating. General dental billing already has its complexities, and incorporating specialty procedures can lead to added stress. In this ongoing series, we will offer insight into the nuances of specialty billing practices, continuing with oral surgery billing. What is Oral Surgery? Oral...
I am a big Beatles fan. One of my favorite songs from the Abbey Road album is “The End.” I think about this lyric all the time: “And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.” In working with...
Insurance denials are frustrating, especially when they are the result of a claim that was billed incorrectly. Incorrect claims directly contribute to increased A/R in dental practice. With a little practice, they can be avoided. Here are eight ways to avoid incorrect claims. 1) Verify your...
As the end of the year approaches, you will want to ensure patients are taking full advantage of their insurance benefits. Each coverage year, patients with dental insurance are given a maximum amount of benefits to use and, frequently, this aligns with the calendar year....
There are around 800 current CDT codes. With so much to learn and remember, it can get confusing. When those codes are only 1 or digits apart, it’s easy to make an error. In this ongoing series, we discuss common coding errors, this time focusing...
