When is D0708 used?
Dental billing professionals need to keep up with new CDT codes to ensure proper claims processing and maximize reimbursement. The D0708 dental code is a newer addition that covers intraoral bitewing radiographic image capture exclusively. Learning the proper application of D0708 helps improve your billing efficiency and decreases claim rejections.
When is D0708 used?
The D0708 code applies when a dental office takes a single intraoral bitewing radiographic image without providing the interpretation or diagnostic report. This situation often occurs in digital systems where image taking and analysis happen with different providers or at different times. Apply D0708 only when your practice handles the image collection, not the diagnostic evaluation.
For instance, when your hygienist captures a bitewing image during a routine visit and the analysis happens later by a dentist or gets forwarded to a specialist, D0708 works for the image collection part. When both collection and analysis occur together, use the standard bitewing codes like D0272 (two bitewings) or D0274 (four bitewings).
D0708 Charting and Clinical Use
Proper documentation remains crucial for successful payment. When submitting D0708, make sure your clinical records clearly include:
The date and time when the image was taken
Which team member performed the procedure
The clinical reason for the image (such as cavity detection, bone level monitoring)
Confirmation that only image capture occurred, without interpretation
Typical clinical situations include remote dentistry consultations, shared care with specialists, or when images get collected for future analysis. Keep your documentation consistent with the actual services provided to maintain compliance standards.
Billing and Insurance Considerations
To reduce rejections and improve accounts receivable turnover, apply these recommended practices when submitting D0708:
Confirm benefits: Contact the patient's insurance provider to ensure D0708 has coverage, since some plans might not accept this newer code.
Include complete claims: Add clinical documentation and specify that billing covers image capture only. When interpretation gets billed separately, apply the correct code with proper supporting records.
Check EOBs: Watch Explanation of Benefits statements for partial payments or rejections. For denials, examine the insurance company's guidelines and consider appealing with extra documentation.
Work with referring doctors: When images go to another dentist or specialist, establish clear billing roles to avoid duplicate submissions.
How dental practices use D0708
Think about a situation where a patient comes in for a cleaning appointment. The hygienist takes a single bitewing image because of localized discomfort. The image gets saved in the patient's electronic file, and the dentist examines it during a follow-up visit. For this situation, submit D0708 for the image capture. When the dentist later bills for the analysis, apply the matching code and make sure both services have separate documentation.
Through proper understanding and correct use of the D0708 dental code, your office can enhance billing precision, decrease rejections, and stay compliant with changing dental insurance requirements.
Common Questions
Can D0708 be billed with other radiographic codes during the same appointment?
Yes, D0708 may be billed with other radiographic codes when multiple distinct services are provided in a single visit. Each code must accurately represent the specific service delivered - D0708 for image capture only, while other codes include both capture and interpretation. Document each procedure individually and confirm payer-specific guidelines to prevent duplicate billing issues or claim denials.
Does D0708 apply only to digital imaging or can it be used for traditional film bitewings?
D0708 is appropriate for both digital and traditional film-based intraoral bitewing imaging. The determining factor is that this code represents image capture exclusively, independent of the imaging technology used. Document whether digital or film methodology was employed, as insurance providers may require this specification for processing.
How should a dental practice handle D0708 claim denials?
When D0708 claims are denied, first examine the Explanation of Benefits to identify the denial reason. Typical causes include insufficient documentation or benefit limitations. File an appeal with comprehensive clinical documentation, clearly stating that only image acquisition was performed, and reference applicable payer policies. Contact the insurance company for clarification when needed and consider resubmission with enhanced supporting evidence.