CDC Dental Radiography & Imaging Coding Flashcards
6 cards from real CDC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 CDC Dental Radiography & Imaging Coding flashcards as text
Which CDT code describes diagnostic casts (study models) used for treatment planning?
Answer: D0470
D0470 is the CDT code for diagnostic casts, which are plaster or stone models of the patient's dentition used in planning.
What radiation safety principle requires using the smallest radiation field possible when taking dental radiographs?
Answer: Collimation
Collimation restricts the X-ray beam to the area of interest, reducing unnecessary radiation exposure to the patient.
Under HIPAA, dental radiographs are classified as which type of protected health information?
Answer: Protected health information (PHI)
Dental radiographs contain patient-identifiable information and are classified as PHI under HIPAA regulations.
Which CDT code covers a vertical bitewing image — single image?
Answer: D0277
D0277 is the CDT code for vertical bitewing images, which provide more bone height visibility than traditional horizontal bitewings.
A dental coder is reviewing a claim for radiographs. Which documentation element is required to justify medical necessity?
Answer: Clinical findings and reason for the X-ray in the patient record
Documentation must include clinical findings and the reason for radiographic imaging to establish medical necessity for billing.
Which governing body maintains and updates the CDT code set used for dental radiographic billing?
Answer: American Dental Association (ADA)
The American Dental Association (ADA) owns and maintains the Current Dental Terminology (CDT) code set.