When is D2955 used?
The D2955 dental code applies to the extraction of dental posts from teeth. Posts are typically inserted into root canals to support core buildups or crowns. Various circumstances may require post extraction, including root canal retreatment, restoration complications, or preparation for new prosthetic work. It's important to apply D2955 exclusively when the procedure involves actual post extraction, not for removing pins, screws, or other restorative components. Correct code usage ensures proper claim processing and minimizes denial risks.
D2955 Charting and Clinical Use
Proper documentation is vital when submitting D2955 claims. Clinical records must clearly document:
The rationale for post extraction (such as retreatment needs, restoration complications, or prosthetic updates)
Post specifications and positioning
Any procedural difficulties experienced
Extraction methods used and final results
Typical clinical situations include:
Patients needing endodontic retreatment for ongoing infection, requiring post extraction.
Broken posts requiring removal before new core buildup and crown placement.
New prosthetic preparation where current posts are no longer suitable.
Documentation must always demonstrate the procedure's medical necessity and complexity to support D2955 billing.
Billing and Insurance Considerations
To optimize reimbursement and prevent claim rejections when submitting D2955, implement these strategies:
Confirm benefits: Many dental insurance plans don't cover post extraction as an independent procedure. Review patient coverage prior to treatment.
Provide comprehensive narratives: Include clear explanations of why post extraction is medically necessary, citing clinical observations and imaging when applicable.
Include supporting materials: X-rays, clinical photographs, and treatment notes help validate claims and reduce requests for additional information.
Apply appropriate CDT codes: Reserve D2955 exclusively for post extraction. When performing additional treatments like core buildup (D2950), submit separate billing with proper documentation.
Monitor EOBs and AR: Examine Explanation of Benefits statements quickly and manage Accounts Receivable actively to handle denials or payment shortfalls. Prepare to file appeals with supplementary documentation when necessary.
How dental practices use D2955
Case: A patient arrives with infection symptoms in a previously treated tooth. X-ray examination shows a post within the canal, leading the dentist to recommend endodontic retreatment. The post is successfully extracted using ultrasonic methods, followed by canal retreatment. Clinical documentation records the extraction rationale, methodology, and results. The claim submission includes D2955 coding, comprehensive narrative, and supporting X-rays. The insurance company approves the claim promptly, with payment processed per the patient's coverage terms.
This case demonstrates the significance of complete documentation, accurate coding, and effective insurance coordination when billing D2955 procedures.
Common Questions
Can D2955 be used for removing multiple posts from the same tooth or different teeth?
D2955 is billed per individual post removed. When multiple posts are removed from different teeth, each removal requires a separate D2955 code. For multiple posts within the same tooth, verify with your insurance carrier since some payers may limit coverage to one D2955 code per tooth per appointment.
Is D2955 billable when performed by dental specialists versus general practitioners?
Yes, D2955 can be billed by any qualified dental professional, including endodontists, prosthodontists, or general dentists. The key requirement is that the provider is licensed and the procedure meets both the CDT code definition and payer documentation standards.
What typically causes D2955 insurance claim denials?
Frequent denial reasons include inadequate clinical documentation, the procedure being bundled with other services, benefit frequency restrictions, or exclusion from the patient's coverage plan. To minimize denials, provide comprehensive clinical notes, supporting radiographs, and detailed procedural narratives explaining the medical necessity.