Understanding Dental Code D7660

When to Use D7660 dental code

The D7660 dental code is designated for procedures involving the malar and/or zygomatic arch, typically as part of surgical interventions to repair facial bone fractures. This CDT code is most commonly used by oral and maxillofacial surgeons when a patient presents with trauma or injury affecting the cheekbone (malar) or the zygomatic arch. Proper code selection is crucial for accurate reimbursement and compliance with insurance requirements. Use D7660 only when the clinical documentation clearly supports surgical intervention on these specific facial structures, and not for minor injuries or procedures outside the scope of bone repair.

Documentation and Clinical Scenarios

Accurate documentation is essential when billing with D7660. The patient’s chart should include:

• Detailed clinical notes describing the nature and extent of the injury
• Radiographic evidence (such as panoramic or CT images) supporting the diagnosis
• A clear surgical report outlining the procedure performed, including approach, fixation methods, and any hardware used
• Pre- and post-operative assessments

Common clinical scenarios for D7660 include motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries, or falls resulting in displaced or comminuted fractures of the malar or zygomatic arch. If additional facial bones are involved, you may need to reference related codes, such as D7670 for maxilla fractures.

Insurance Billing Tips

To maximize reimbursement and minimize delays, follow these best practices when billing D7660:

• Insurance Verification: Confirm the patient’s benefits and preauthorization requirements for oral surgery. Many plans require prior approval for trauma-related procedures.
• Claim Submission: Attach all supporting documentation, including clinical notes, radiographs, and operative reports. Use clear, concise narratives to justify medical necessity.
• EOB Review: Carefully review the Explanation of Benefits (EOB) for payment accuracy and denial reasons. If underpaid or denied, prepare a detailed claim appeal with additional supporting evidence.
• Coordination of Benefits: If the injury is accident-related, coordinate with medical insurance or third-party liability carriers as appropriate.

Staying proactive with documentation and communication can help your dental office avoid common billing pitfalls and speed up accounts receivable (AR) cycles.

Example Case for D7660

Case Study: A 32-year-old patient presents after a bicycle accident with swelling and facial asymmetry. Clinical examination and imaging confirm a displaced fracture of the left zygomatic arch. The oral surgeon performs open reduction and internal fixation using titanium plates and screws. The procedure, documentation, and radiographs are submitted with the claim using D7660. Insurance initially requests additional records, but the detailed operative report and imaging support prompt approval and full reimbursement.

This example highlights the importance of thorough documentation and timely follow-up in successful D7660 billing.