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Coding with Kyle: D2950 core buildup, including pins when required

April 12, 2018
Coding with Kyle is back! As a busy office manager for Dr. Scott Fruom, Kyle has a wealth of coding experience to share with his fellow office managers.

This article originally appeared in Dental Office Manager Digest e-newsletter. Subscribe to this informative monthly ENL designed specifically for the dental office manager here.

Do you ever feel like you’re doing something wrong with all of those rejected dental claims? Don't give up! It’s time to fight back and receive the benefits that your patients and practice deserve. Coding with Kyle is back and it’s here to help! This month I focus on D2950—core buildup.

The purpose: a buildup is performed when there is not enough natural tooth structure remaining to support placement of a crown.

Composites should not be confused with buildups. If you submitted a claim for payment for placement of a composite resin within the last few months on the same tooth, the patient’s insurance plan may deduct the amount paid once the claim for the buildup has been processed. This results in a lower reimbursement for the buildup.

Should you submit a claim for a buildup on a crown that has undergone endodontic treatment, it might be denied. Instead, you should bill for a composite resin.

There should be supporting narrative and documentation. When submitting for payment, it is suggested you indicate in Remarks box 35 that buildup was placed due to an insufficient amount of retention for future crown placement.

Always remember to submit pre-op and post-op radiographs!

Happy coding!

PREVIOUS CODING WITH KYLE COLUMNS
Are dental sealants ever covered by dental insurance?
What exactly is a root amputation?
D4260–osseous surgery

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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.