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For the next three months I will focus on billing for orthodontic procedures. Each of these coding articles will consist of the different steps involved when billing for ortho.
First, how do you properly bill for orthodontic retainers? Keep in mind the codes discussed will apply to orthodontic appliances, fixed and removable.
D8220–Fixed appliance therapy means
• The appliance is not easily removed by the patient,
• The device is not a day or night guard,
• The device is fixed with some type of bonding material, and
• It can be used for a habit breaking appliance for such habits as thumb sucking and tongue thrusting.
D8210–Removal appliance therapy means
• The appliance is easily removed by the patient,
• It can be used for habit a breaking appliance for such habits as thumb sucking and tongue thrusting, and
• The device is not a day or night guard.
D8680–Orthodontic retention
• Describes fabrication of removable retainers,
• Does not include monthly active orthodontic movement billing,
• Is usually billed as final payment at the end of active orthodontic treatment, and
• Means a separate code applies for a replacement retainer (D8692).
Happy coding!
PREVIOUS CODING WITH KYLE ARTICLES
Codes 2952 and 2954
D2950 core buildup, including pins when required
D4260–osseous surgery
