Understanding Dental Code D0706

When to Use D0706 dental code

The D0706 dental code is designated for an intraoral – occlusal radiographic image – image capture only. This CDT code should be used when a dental practice captures an occlusal radiograph but does not perform interpretation or diagnosis as part of the same appointment. It is particularly relevant in digital workflows where image capture and interpretation may be performed by different providers or at different times. Use D0706 when only the technical component (the image acquisition) is completed, and not the professional component (reading or reporting).

Documentation and Clinical Scenarios

Proper documentation is essential for accurate billing and insurance reimbursement. When using D0706, ensure the patient’s chart clearly indicates:

• The specific reason for the occlusal radiograph (e.g., assessment of unerupted teeth, trauma evaluation, or pathology review).
• The date and time of image capture.
• The name of the staff member or provider capturing the image.
• That only image capture was performed, with no interpretation or diagnosis at that visit.

Common clinical scenarios include referral cases where a general dentist captures the image for a specialist’s later review, or when a patient’s care is coordinated between multiple providers. Always ensure your documentation matches the service rendered to avoid claim denials or audit issues.

Insurance Billing Tips

For successful insurance reimbursement with D0706, follow these best practices:

• Verify coverage: Before performing the procedure, check the patient’s policy to confirm that image-only radiographs are covered and if there are frequency limitations.
• Use precise coding: Do not use D0706 if interpretation is performed at the same visit; instead, use the appropriate comprehensive radiographic code. If you need to bill for both image capture and interpretation separately, ensure each is documented and coded correctly.
• Attach supporting documentation: Include clinical notes and a copy of the radiograph with the claim to support medical necessity.
• Review EOBs: If a claim is denied, review the Explanation of Benefits (EOB) for the reason, and prepare a claim appeal with additional documentation if needed.

Staying current with payer guidelines and CDT code updates is crucial. Train your billing team to recognize when D0706 is appropriate and to avoid common errors, such as unbundling or miscoding.

Example Case for D0706

Consider a pediatric patient referred to an orthodontist for evaluation of unerupted anterior teeth. The general dentist captures an occlusal radiograph but does not interpret it, instead forwarding the image to the orthodontist. In this case, the general dentist should bill D0706 for the image capture only, while the orthodontist may bill the appropriate code for interpretation if performed separately. This approach ensures compliance, accurate reimbursement, and clear communication between providers.

By understanding the correct use of D0706, dental practices can streamline billing, reduce denials, and support high-quality patient care through accurate documentation and coding.