Understanding Dental Code D0708

Dental billing teams must stay current with new CDT codes to ensure accurate claims and optimal reimbursement. The D0708 dental code is a recent addition that specifically addresses intraoral bitewing radiographic image capture only. Understanding when and how to use D0708 can streamline your billing process and reduce claim denials.

When to Use D0708 dental code

The D0708 code is used when a dental practice captures a single intraoral bitewing radiographic image, but does not perform the interpretation or report. This is common in digital workflows where image capture and interpretation may be performed by different providers or at separate times. Use D0708 only when your office is responsible for the image acquisition, not the diagnostic review.

For example, if your hygienist takes a bitewing image during a recall visit and the interpretation is performed later by a dentist or sent to a specialist, D0708 is appropriate for the image capture portion. If both capture and interpretation are performed together, refer to the traditional bitewing codes such as D0272 (two bitewings) or D0274 (four bitewings).

Documentation and Clinical Scenarios

Accurate documentation is essential for successful reimbursement. When billing D0708, ensure your clinical notes clearly specify:

• The date and time of the image capture
• The staff member who performed the procedure
• The reason for taking the image (e.g., caries detection, monitoring bone levels)
• That only the image capture was performed, not the interpretation

Common clinical scenarios include teledentistry consultations, collaborative care with specialists, or when images are acquired for later review. Always align your documentation with the actual services rendered to avoid compliance issues.

Insurance Billing Tips

To minimize denials and speed up accounts receivable (AR) cycles, follow these best practices when billing D0708:

• Verify coverage: Check with the patient’s insurance to confirm if D0708 is a covered benefit, as some plans may not recognize the code yet.
• Submit detailed claims: Attach clinical notes and indicate that the claim is for image capture only. If the interpretation is billed separately, use the appropriate code and provide supporting documentation.
• Review EOBs: Monitor Explanation of Benefits (EOBs) for partial payments or denials. If denied, review the payer’s policy and consider a claim appeal with additional documentation.
• Coordinate with referring providers: If images are sent to another dentist or specialist, clarify billing responsibilities to prevent duplicate claims.

Example Case for D0708

Consider a scenario where a patient visits for a hygiene appointment. The hygienist captures a single bitewing image due to localized sensitivity. The image is stored in the patient’s digital chart, and the dentist reviews it during a later consultation. In this case, bill D0708 for the image capture. If the dentist later bills for interpretation, use the corresponding code and ensure both services are documented distinctly.

By understanding and correctly applying the D0708 dental code, your practice can improve billing accuracy, reduce denials, and maintain compliance with evolving dental insurance standards.