by Find-A-Code™
Apr 2nd, 2024
Medical coding and billing specialists tend to be intimately familiar with CPT codes. They need to be. But what about CDT codes? If you don't do a lot of dental work as a medical coder or biller, you probably aren't familiar with this particular code set. Yet it is just as important as the CPT and ICD-10 sets.
Knowing the correct code sets to use is one of the keys to being a successful medical coder or biller. As you know, there are numerous sets developed by a variety of entities. Mastering all of them is no easy task.
Common Dental Terminology
'CDT' is an acronym that stands for 'Common Dental Terminology'. The code set was developed by the American Dental Association (ADA) for much the same reason the American Medical Association (AMA) developed the Common Procedural Terminology (CPT) code set. CDT codes are essentially the same thing as CPT codes, just for dental procedures.
The code set has three primary functions:
- Standardization – As with most sets of billing codes, CDT codes create a standardized language perfectly suited for billing. It is a language understood by insurance companies, dentists, dental hygienists, and other industry players.
- Accuracy – Errors are the bane of existence for both medical billers and insurance companies. Using something like the CDT code set keeps errors to a minimum. This means more accurate bills and more timely payments.
- Data Collection – The CDT code set facilitates more efficient data collection. All the collected data can be used for analytical and reporting purposes.
Note that CDT codes are used widely throughout the U.S. However, they are not universally accepted worldwide. Dental procedures in other countries may be coded and billed differently.
An Easy Code Structure
One of the advantages CDT codes have over other code sets is structure. The CDT structure is among the easiest to understand. Every CDT code consists of five alphanumeric characters. The first character is always the letter 'D'. This signifies a dental procedure. At first glance, any medical coder, biller, or payer representative would understand they were dealing with a procedure performed in a dental office.
The remaining characters are all numbers. They represent specific procedures or services divided into six main categories. Those categories are as follows:
- Diagnostic and Preventive Services – Services related to exams, diagnostic testing, cleanings, etc.
- Restorative Services – Services related to fillings, bridges and crowns, implants, etc.
- Endodontics – Endodontic services are those services related to root canal procedures.
- Periodontics – Periodontic services are those services related to treating gum disease.
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery – Services related to dental surgery involving the jaw or mouth.
- Orthodontics – Orthodontic services are those related to braces and retainers.
Codes D0100-D0999 refer specifically to diagnostic and preventive services. Likewise, every other category has its assigned numbers in succession. By categorizing the codes, the ADA makes it easier for billers and coders to find what they are looking for.
More Information Online
If you are interested in learning more about CDT codes, the ADA provides information on their website. You can purchase a hard copy of the CDT codebook directly from the ADA. Note that you can also look up CDT codes online here at Find-A-Code.
CDT codes are complex. Getting a handle on them requires additional training that specializes in dental procedures and terminology. If you are currently a medical coder or biller and looking to advance your career through continuing education, consider studying CDT codes. Even if you don't take a job in a dental office, having that additional knowledge could make you more valuable as a coder or biller.
Quick, Current, Complete - www.findacode.com