Request a Change to the Code

Request a Change to the Code

• CDT Code Action Request & Copyright Form(s)

  Request Form

  There is one form that is used when requesting any type of CDT Code action — e.g., add a new procedure code, revise a current procedure code nomenclature or descriptor. The Microsoft Word^® document is intended to be downloaded to your computer, completed at your convenience and returned by email to dentalcode@ada.org.

  • PROCEDURE CODE - Addition / Revision / Deletion (DOCX) 
    
    

  Copyright Assignment

  Each person or entity submitting a CDT Code Action Request(s) must include properly completed Copyright Assignment Agreement. One signed agreement form will apply to all submissions from the person or entity received during a maintenance cycle. 
  
  Action requests that are not accompanied by a properly completed copyright assignment form will not be addressed by the Code Maintenance Committee.
  
  The PDF document is intended to be downloaded to your computer, then completed (data entry areas are color shaded) and returned by email to dentalcode@ada.org.
  

  • COPYRIGHT ASSIGNMENT AGREEMENT (PDF)
• Form Completion Instructions

  Each request form includes captions intended to aid completion. Highlights follow:

  • A separate request is required for each desired CDT Code action.
    
    
  • A rationale for the action (e.g., reasons why existing procedure code is inadequate or no longer appropriate; description of technology inherent to procedure; dental schools where taught) is required.
    
    
  • The following information is required for additions – a) current CDT Code used to report the proposed procedure; b) description of the procedure or clinical condition; and c) scenario describing the patient, materials, technique, etc.
    
    
  • When requesting a deletion, specify another current code (not a "999" unspecified procedure) that adequately describes the procedure. If there is no alternative or the procedure is believed to be obsolete, explain this in writing.
    
    
  • Cite literature, when available, indicating extent of the procedure's or new technology's use and acceptance.
    
    
  • Requirements for supporting documentation or literature are: a) if protected by copyright, written authorization to reprint and distribute must be provided; and b) all material must be submitted in electronic format.
    
    
• Submission and Evaluation Guidelines

  The goal of these guidelines is to maintain the best possible CDT Code. They are published to assist submitter’s preparation of a CDT Code Action Request Form. A robust code taxonomy makes it possible to prepare comprehensive, accurate, and detailed patient records, and accurate dental claim submissions.

  Preamble
  
  A. Submitters should carefully review the guidelines when considering submitting a CDT Code Action Request and the justification for that request.
  
  B. Guidelines do not preclude the submission of any CDT Code Action Request, but may influence the review of the submission by the Code Maintenance Committee.
  
  C. Submitters may withdraw their CDT Code Action Request up to the closing date of submissions (November 1st).

  Guidelines

  1. Code change request evaluation should be based on the need for documenting procedures based upon the patient’s dental needs and not on services covered by any applicable dental benefit plan.
  2. Procedures that are being provided to patients by dentists or other practitioners acting within the scope of their state’s laws, should have a code available for documentation.
  3. Procedure code nomenclatures and descriptors should be clear and unambiguous.
  4. Nomenclatures and descriptors address the manner in which the procedure is delivered, and should not include references to time intervals when the procedure may be reported, or limitations on reporting with other procedures.
  5. The alleged potential for abuse or fraudulent use of a code should not be considered as an evaluation guideline.
  6. Community standards of care should not limit consideration of other evaluation criteria.
• Components of a Dental Procedure Code

  An individual dental procedure code has at least the first two of the following three components. References to typeface pertain to the CDT Code as printed in the CDT Manual.

  1. Dental Procedure Code (Code)–A five character alphanumeric code that begins with the letter "D" and is followed by four numerals. Each code identifies a specific dental procedure, and is printed in boldface type.
     
     
  2. Nomenclature–A brief written definition of a Dental Procedure Code. Each code must have Nomenclature that is printed in boldface type.
     
     
  3. Descriptor–A written narrative that provides further definition and the intended use of a Dental Procedure Code. A Descriptor is optional and is printed in regular type.
     
     
• Resubmission of Declined Request

  A declined request may be submitted for consideration in a subsequent CDT Code review and revision cycle. The current action request form must be used for the resubmission.

  NOTE: A resubmission must include new information not available when the original change request form was prepared.