Billing D8670 with D9973 — What Dentists Need to Know
Orthodontic
ALLOWED — VERIFY PLAN
Quick Answer: Orthodontic services (D8670) and adjunctive services (D9973) are generally billable on the same date. Consultations, anesthesia, and other adjunctive services can occur alongside orthodontic appointments.
📋 Rule Summary
Detail | |
Code A | D8670 — Periodic Orthodontic Treatment Visit |
Code B | D9973 — External Bleaching Procedures |
Same-day billing | ✅ ALLOWED — VERIFY PLAN |
Code A category | Orthodontic |
Code B category | Adjunctive General Services |
Documentation needed | Tooth numbers, clinical notes, and separate indications for each code |
Common mistake | Assuming that because both codes appear on the same claim they will automatically be rejected — context and documentation determine the outcome |
What Is D8670 — Periodic Orthodontic Treatment Visit?
D8670 is a CDT code in the Orthodontic category. It covers periodic orthodontic treatment visit services and is used when the clinical record documents the appropriate indications for this procedure.
Orthodontic codes like D8670 are often subject to lifetime maximums and age limits. Verify the patient's orthodontic benefit before starting treatment.
Key documentation requirements for D8670:
Tooth number(s) clearly identified for each code (D8670 and D9973)
Clinical notes documenting the separate indications for both procedures
Date of service correctly recorded for each procedure
What Is D9973 — External Bleaching Procedures?
D9973 is a CDT code in the Adjunctive General Services category. It covers external bleaching procedures services and is used when the clinical record documents the appropriate indications for this procedure.
Adjunctive service codes like D9973 cover services that support but are separate from primary dental procedures. Documentation must establish the independent clinical necessity.
Key documentation requirements for D9973:
Tooth number(s) clearly identified for each code (D8670 and D9973)
Clinical notes documenting the separate indications for both procedures
Date of service correctly recorded for each procedure
D8670 and D9973 on the Same Day — The Bundling Rule Explained
Orthodontic services (D8670) and adjunctive services (D9973) are generally billable on the same date. Consultations, anesthesia, and other adjunctive services can occur alongside orthodontic appointments.
What to Bill in Each Scenario
Clinical situation | Correct code(s) |
|---|---|
Both procedures performed at the same visit with documentation | Both D8670 and D9973 |
Only periodic orthodontic treatment visit was performed | D8670 |
Only external bleaching procedures was performed | D9973 |
Procedures cannot be supported by chart documentation | Bill only the documented procedure |
Documentation Checklist
[ ] Tooth number(s) clearly identified for each code (D8670 and D9973)
[ ] Clinical notes documenting the separate indications for both procedures
[ ] Date of service correctly recorded for each procedure
[ ] Orthodontic benefit verification and lifetime maximum remaining
[ ] Narrative attached if combining uncommon code pairs on the same claim
[ ] Patient's insurance eligibility confirmed for the date of service
Billing Tips to Avoid Denial
1. Consultations (D9310) at ortho visits are billable
A professional consultation performed at an orthodontic appointment is separately billable when it involves evaluation for an issue outside the scope of the active orthodontic treatment.
2. Adjunctive anesthesia for ortho procedures has limited coverage
Local or sedation anesthesia for orthodontic procedures is not commonly covered. Verify plan benefits and document clinical necessity before billing.
3. Retainer delivery is not an adjunctive code
Retention is part of the orthodontic treatment plan and is included in the global ortho fee. Do not bill adjunctive codes for standard retention appointments.
4. Document the distinct clinical need for adjunctive services
The chart note must explain why the adjunctive service was necessary at the orthodontic appointment, separate from the orthodontic treatment itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can D8670 and D9973 ever be billed together?
Yes, in most cases — see the bundling rule explanation above for the conditions and any exceptions.
What is the difference between D8670 and D9973?
D8670 covers periodic orthodontic treatment visit services, while D9973 covers external bleaching procedures services. They belong to different CDT categories and address different clinical procedures.
Will insurance pay for D8670 and D9973 on the same claim?
Coverage depends on the specific plan. Most carriers allow this combination with documentation. Always verify with the patient's specific plan before submitting.
What documentation is needed to bill D8670 with D9973?
At minimum: tooth numbers for each procedure, clinical notes documenting separate indications, and — for complex or unusual combinations — a brief narrative explaining why both were clinically necessary on the same date.
What happens if D8670 and D9973 are denied when billed together?
Submit an appeal with supporting documentation including the clinical chart notes, radiographs (if applicable), and a narrative explaining the separate clinical purposes. Most carriers have a formal appeal process that can reverse automatic denials.
Is it upcoding or fraud to bill D8670 and D9973 on the same day?
Billing two codes that represent genuinely distinct, separately documented services is not fraud — it is accurate coding. Fraud occurs when a code is billed for a service that was not performed. Ensure your chart documentation fully supports each code submitted.