March 26, 2018

Aug 20, 2020
Have you ever provided a service for a patient, only to find that there is no code describing a procedure? Read more to learn how to document this procedure.

A CDT Code is used to determine the procedure code for documenting and reporting a service provided to a patient.  The codes are organized into 12 categories of service, each with its own series of five –digit alphanumeric codes to reflect services that are considered similar in  purpose.

But what if there is no CDT Code that (in the dentist’s opinion) accurately describes the service provided?

The available and appropriate option is to use an “unspecified procedure , by report” code, also known as a “999” code. These codes are in every category of service, and when used must include a supporting narrative that explains the service provided. (ie: D2999 unspecified restorative procedure, by report; D3999 unspecified endodontic procedure, by report; D4999 unspecified periodontal procedure, by report etc.)

Examples:

  •  D2999 unspecified restorative procedure, by report
  • D3999 unspecified endodontic procedure, by report
  • D4999 unspecified periodontal procedure, by report
ETC.