CDC Periodontal Procedures Coding 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which CDT code is used to report a full mouth debridement to enable a comprehensive periodontal evaluation?
- D1110
- D4355 (Correct answer)
- D4910
- D4341
Correct answer: D4355
D4355 is specifically designated for full mouth debridement, a gross removal of plaque and calculus that interferes with a comprehensive oral evaluation.
Question 2: What is the CDT code for periodontal scaling and root planing involving four or more teeth per quadrant?
- D4342
- D4355
- D4341 (Correct answer)
- D4910
Correct answer: D4341
D4341 covers periodontal scaling and root planing when four or more teeth per quadrant are treated, distinguishing it from D4342 which covers one to three teeth.
Question 3: Which CDT code is reported for periodontal maintenance following the completion of active periodontal therapy?
- D1110
- D4341
- D4355
- D4910 (Correct answer)
Correct answer: D4910
D4910 (periodontal maintenance) is used after a patient has completed active periodontal therapy to maintain periodontal health, and is distinct from routine prophylaxis.
Question 4: What CDT code represents a prophylaxis procedure for an adult patient?
- D1120
- D4910
- D1110 (Correct answer)
- D0120
Correct answer: D1110
D1110 is the CDT code for prophylaxis in adult patients (typically 14 years and older), involving removal of plaque, calculus, and stains.
Question 5: What is the key clinical distinction between CDT codes D4341 and D4342?
- D4341 is for surgical SRP; D4342 is for non-surgical SRP
- D4341 covers four or more teeth per quadrant; D4342 covers one to three teeth per quadrant (Correct answer)
- D4341 is for adults; D4342 is for pediatric patients
- D4341 includes local anesthesia; D4342 does not
Correct answer: D4341 covers four or more teeth per quadrant; D4342 covers one to three teeth per quadrant
The only clinical distinction between D4341 and D4342 is the number of teeth treated: D4341 applies to four or more teeth per quadrant, while D4342 applies to one to three teeth per quadrant.
Question 6: Which CDT code is used to report a comprehensive periodontal evaluation for a new or established patient?
- D0150
- D0120
- D0180 (Correct answer)
- D0160
Correct answer: D0180
D0180 is designated specifically for a comprehensive periodontal evaluation that includes a detailed assessment of periodontal conditions, probing, and radiographic interpretation.
Question 7: Under what clinical circumstance should D4910 (periodontal maintenance) be used instead of D1110 (adult prophylaxis)?
- When the patient is under 18 years old
- After the patient has completed active periodontal therapy such as scaling and root planing (Correct answer)
- When the patient presents with no signs of periodontal disease
- When the patient requests a deeper cleaning
Correct answer: After the patient has completed active periodontal therapy such as scaling and root planing
D4910 is appropriate only for patients who have a prior history of active periodontal therapy; once a patient has undergone SRP or periodontal surgery, subsequent supportive care visits are reported as D4910.
CDC Periodontal Procedures Coding 1
Which CDT code is used to report a full mouth debridement to enable a comprehensive periodontal evaluation?