Dental coding with Kyle: D0210 Intraoral—Complete series of radiographic images

Aug. 16, 2019

It's important for dental front office managers to bill with correct codes. But there are many moving parts and tricky catches. This coding column can help.

Kyle L. Summerford

A complete series of x-rays is considered when a combination of 14 to 22 periapical and bitewing images are taken on a single visit.

• Most insurance companies limit the frequency to 36 months, although some do have longer frequencies.

• At any single visit, if the fee for individual periapicals and bitewings taken exceeds the in-network or usual customary reasonable (UCR) fee, the insurance will consider it a full-mouth series and deny payment if a history already exists within the 36-month frequency.

• If the patient has a history of a panoramic image (D0330) on file taken within the exclusion period, a full-mouth series will be denied, and vice versa.

Always check your patients’ benefit histories. Doing so will provide you with a complete breakdown of frequencies and eligibility.

PAST CODING WITH KYLE ARTICLES

D5994—Periodontal medicament carrier with peripheral seal, laboratory processed

D7951 or D7952: Sinus augmentation

For more coding tips, visit DentistryIQ and search for "Coding with Kyle."

About the Author

Kyle L. Summerford

With more than 22 years of experience in dental, Kyle L. Summerford has a unique approach to case presentation and patient acceptance. As an OM and financial dental consultant, he leverages his knowledge to assist new and struggling dental practices. Through his education programs, Kyle empowers staff members with effective patient education skills and persuasion techniques. He has lectured at CE events and academic institutions. His expertise is further recognized through his column, Dental Coding with Kyle. He’s the founder of the Dental Office Managers Community. Visit his website at kylesummerford.com.