Understanding Dental Code D0702

When to Use D0702 dental code

The D0702 dental code is designated for a 2-dimensional cephalometric radiographic image—specifically for image capture only. This CDT code is most commonly used in orthodontic and oral surgery practices where cephalometric analysis is required for diagnosis, treatment planning, or progress assessment. Use D0702 when your office is capturing the image but not performing the interpretation or analysis, which may be billed separately. It is important not to confuse D0702 with codes that include both image capture and interpretation, such as D0340 (cephalometric radiographic image – acquisition, measurement and analysis).

Documentation and Clinical Scenarios

Proper documentation is essential for successful reimbursement. When using D0702, ensure the patient’s chart includes:

• The clinical reason for the cephalometric image (e.g., orthodontic assessment, surgical planning).
• The date and time of image capture.
• Provider credentials and digital signature.
• Reference to the treatment plan or diagnostic need.

Common clinical scenarios include initial orthodontic consultations, pre-surgical evaluations, and periodic progress checks where only the image is required. If your office is only capturing the image for another provider to interpret, D0702 is the correct code to use.

Insurance Billing Tips

To maximize reimbursement and minimize denials for D0702:

• Verify coverage: Confirm with the patient’s dental insurance if cephalometric images are a covered benefit and if there are frequency limitations.
• Attach supporting documentation: Include clinical notes and a copy of the image with the claim. Some payers require a narrative explaining medical necessity.
• Use correct modifiers: If submitting multiple radiographs on the same day, ensure each code is billed separately and appropriately.
• Review EOBs promptly: If D0702 is denied, check the explanation of benefits (EOB) for the denial reason and be prepared to submit a claim appeal with additional documentation if needed.

Staying current with payer guidelines and CDT updates is crucial for accurate billing and avoiding accounts receivable (AR) delays.

Example Case for D0702

Consider a patient referred by an orthodontist for a pre-treatment cephalometric image. Your dental office captures the 2D image and forwards it to the referring orthodontist for analysis. In this scenario, you would bill D0702 for the image capture only. Documentation should clearly state that no interpretation was performed by your office, and the clinical notes should reference the referral and intended use of the image.

By following these best practices, your dental team can ensure accurate billing, reduce claim denials, and maintain compliance with dental insurance standards when using the D0702 dental code.