Hygienist weighs in on new code D4346 coming to CDT January 1, 2017

Get ready to teach your practices how to use this new code.

Patti DiGangi, RDH, BS, recently published the fifth installment of her continuing DentalCodeology mini-book series entitled “A Gingivitis Code Finally!”

“This is the CDT code we been waiting for! We finally have a CDT code for the treatment of gingivitis. Imagine, we finally have metric for the therapy we have been providing for years and the opportunity to get appropriately reimbursed too!” says DiGangi.

Specifically, CDT D4346 has been designated for scaling in presence of generalized moderate or severe gingival inflammation—full mouth, after oral evaluation. The new code will provide dentists and hygienists with countless new opportunities to elevate the standard of patient care while boosting their bottom lines.

“This win-win scenario is now possible because the new code finally classifies gingivitis as a disease that requires treatment. When you consider that the CDC estimates that 64.7 million American adults have moderate or severe bone loss periodontitis and that more than 50 percent are being treated under D1110/D1120 prophylaxis codes, this is a game-changer!” says DiGangi

Since the new code does not have age limitations, it is applicable for the treatment of children.

“This may totally change our definition of who is at risk for periodontal disease, who we should screen, and how early we can provide interventional treatment of early onset gingivitis,” adds DiGangi.

The new code is especially relevant for dental practices who are focusing on the oral-systemic health link, as it not only provides practitioners with the opportunity to identify this disease process and treat it therapeutically, it also provides a way to consistently communicate the medical relevance of treating early stage periodontal disease.

For more information about “A Gingivitis Code Finally!” including how to order, visit dentalcodeology.com.

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