When is D6082 used?
The D6082 dental code applies to implant-supported retainer crowns that serve as components of fixed partial dentures (bridges). This CDT code is appropriate when placing a crown on an implant abutment to anchor a bridge system, not for individual implant crowns. It's crucial to differentiate D6082 from other codes like D6065 (implant-supported porcelain/ceramic crown), which address different treatment situations. Apply D6082 exclusively when the crown functions as part of a multi-unit restoration and serves as an anchor for a fixed partial denture.
D6082 Charting and Clinical Use
Proper documentation is critical for claim approval. When using D6082, your clinical records must clearly indicate:
An established dental implant exists at the treatment site.
The crown serves as a bridge retainer, not as an individual restoration.
Information about neighboring units and the complete prosthetic treatment plan.
Before and after radiographs documenting the implant and prosthetic work.
Typical clinical applications involve restoring multiple missing teeth using implant-supported bridges, where D6082 describes the retainer crown(s) placed on implant abutments.
Billing and Insurance Considerations
To improve reimbursement success and reduce claim rejections for D6082:
Check coverage: Ensure the patient's insurance includes implant-supported prosthetics and multi-unit bridge work.
Obtain pre-approval: Send comprehensive pre-treatment estimates including clinical documentation, X-rays, and detailed prosthetic plans.
Include proper documentation: Attach narrative explanations and supporting photographs with claims.
Monitor claim responses: Carefully examine Explanation of Benefits for partial payments or rejections, and prepare additional documentation when needed.
Contest denials: When claims are rejected, cite the CDT code guidelines and provide extra clinical evidence highlighting the multi-unit prosthetic design.
How dental practices use D6082
Take a patient with missing teeth #19 and #20. Implants are installed at positions #19 and #21. A three-unit bridge is designed with implant-supported retainer crowns at #19 and #21 and a pontic replacing #20. Here, D6082 applies to both implant retainer crowns, while the pontic uses D6071 (implant/abutment supported fixed partial denture pontic). Accurate documentation and coding practices ensure proper reimbursement and insurance compliance.
Common Questions
What distinguishes an abutment-supported crown from an implant-supported crown?
An abutment-supported crown utilizes a connector component (abutment) that links to the dental implant, whereas an implant-supported crown connects directly to the implant fixture without requiring a separate abutment piece. Code D6082 applies to abutment-supported crowns, while alternative codes such as D6065 are designated for crowns that attach directly to the implant.
What are typical reasons insurance claims for D6082 get rejected?
Frequent denial causes include inadequate documentation (missing X-rays or incomplete clinical records), failure to obtain required pre-authorization, or incorrect code selection for the actual clinical procedure. Submitting comprehensive supporting documentation and detailed narratives with claims helps minimize rejection rates.
Is it appropriate to use D6082 for multiple crowns placed on a single implant?
No, code D6082 is specifically designed for one crown supported by an abutment on one implant. When placing multiple crowns or bridge work, alternative codes must be selected to properly represent the specific type and quantity of restorations delivered.