Content Dam Diq Online Articles 2018 06 Orthodontics 1

Coding with Kyle: Billing for orthodontic retainers

June 14, 2018
It's important to submit the right dental codes to insurance companies so your practice can be properly paid for work performed. Here, dental office manager Kyle Summerford guides dental staff through the correct code for retainers.

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.

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

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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.