Understanding Dental Code D0240

When to Use D0240 dental code

The D0240 dental code refers to an intraoral periapical radiographic image, specifically for each additional image beyond the first. This CDT code is used when a dentist requires more than one periapical X-ray to properly diagnose or monitor a patient’s oral health. For instance, if a patient presents with symptoms that suggest issues in multiple areas, the first periapical image is billed with D0220, and each subsequent image is billed using D0240. Proper use of this code ensures accurate reimbursement and compliance with insurance requirements.

Documentation and Clinical Scenarios

Accurate documentation is essential when billing D0240. Best practices include:

• Charting the clinical reason for each additional periapical image, such as suspected pathology, endodontic evaluation, or monitoring of a previously treated area.
• Recording the number of images taken and their anatomical locations in the patient’s chart.
• Attaching clinical notes or radiographic findings to the patient record and, if required, to the insurance claim.

Common clinical scenarios for D0240 include follow-up on root canal therapy, evaluation of multiple teeth with suspected caries or infection, and assessment of dental trauma. Always ensure that the medical necessity for each additional image is clearly documented to support claim approval.

Insurance Billing Tips

To maximize reimbursement and minimize denials when billing D0240:

• Verify patient benefits before the appointment to determine coverage limits for intraoral radiographs.
• Submit claims with clear documentation—include clinical notes and, if possible, attach the radiographic images.
• Use the correct sequence of codes: bill D0220 for the first image, then D0240 for each additional image.
• Review EOBs (Explanation of Benefits) carefully to ensure all images are reimbursed as expected.
• If a claim is denied, appeal with detailed clinical justification and supporting documentation.

Successful dental offices often create standardized templates for radiographic documentation and train their teams to consistently use the correct CDT codes. This reduces errors and speeds up the revenue cycle.

Example Case for D0240

Consider a patient presenting with pain in the lower right quadrant. The dentist takes one periapical image of tooth #30 (billed as D0220) and, upon further examination, identifies possible pathology on teeth #29 and #31. Two additional periapical images are taken and billed as D0240 (one for each tooth). The clinical notes specify the reason for each image, and all documentation is attached to the insurance claim. The claim is processed smoothly, and the practice receives full reimbursement for all images.

By following these best practices, dental teams can ensure proper use of D0240, minimize billing errors, and maintain compliance with insurance requirements.