Understanding Dental Code D0310

Dental billing teams know that accurate coding is essential for timely reimbursement and compliance. One code that occasionally appears in dental radiology is D0310, which refers to sialography—a specialized imaging procedure for the salivary glands. This article breaks down when to use the D0310 dental code, required documentation, billing tips, and a practical example to help your team bill confidently and correctly.

When to Use D0310 dental code

The D0310 dental code is used for sialography, a diagnostic imaging procedure that visualizes the salivary glands and ducts. This code is appropriate when a dentist needs to investigate suspected blockages, stones, infections, or other abnormalities in the salivary glands. Common clinical indications include chronic dry mouth, recurrent swelling, or unexplained pain in the gland area. D0310 should only be used when the procedure is medically necessary and documented in the patient’s chart.

Documentation and Clinical Scenarios

Proper documentation is crucial for successful reimbursement. To support the use of D0310, ensure the following are included in the patient record:

• Detailed clinical notes justifying the need for sialography (e.g., symptoms, failed conservative treatments, or abnormal findings on prior imaging).
• Referral or order from the treating dentist or specialist, if applicable.
• Radiology report describing the findings and any follow-up recommendations.

Example clinical scenarios for D0310 include:

• A patient with recurrent swelling of the parotid gland and suspicion of sialolithiasis (salivary stone).
• Unexplained dry mouth not responsive to initial therapies, prompting further investigation.

Insurance Billing Tips

Billing for D0310 requires attention to detail. Here are best practices to maximize claim acceptance:

• Verify coverage: Not all dental plans cover sialography. Check eligibility and benefits before scheduling the procedure.
• Submit supporting documentation: Attach clinical notes, radiology reports, and referral forms as needed. This helps justify medical necessity during claim review.
• Use precise coding: Avoid unbundling or upcoding. If sialography is performed with other radiographic procedures (e.g., panoramic radiograph), code each service separately and link to the correct procedure notes.
• Appeal denials: If the claim is denied, review the Explanation of Benefits (EOB) for the reason. Submit a detailed appeal with additional documentation if the denial was due to lack of medical necessity or missing information.

Example Case for D0310

Case: A 52-year-old patient presents with intermittent swelling and pain in the left submandibular region. Conservative management has failed. The dentist documents the findings and orders a sialography. The procedure reveals a small ductal stone. The dental office submits a claim using D0310, including the clinical notes, radiology report, and a copy of the referral. The insurance carrier requests additional information, which the office promptly provides. The claim is approved, and payment is posted to the patient’s account.

This example highlights the importance of thorough documentation and proactive communication with payers to ensure successful reimbursement for D0310.