D7471 Dental Code
D7471 Dental Code is the dental procedure for Removal Of Lateral Exostosis (Maxilla Or Mandible) Removal Of Lateral Ex.
The D7471 Dental Code refers to the removal of lateral exostosis, a surgical dental procedure performed on the maxilla (upper jaw) or mandible (lower jaw). Lateral exostoses are bony growths that protrude from the outer areas of the jawbone. These growths may develop due to chronic irritation, genetics, or pressure from biting forces. When they interfere with oral function, hygiene, denture placement, or cause discomfort, surgical removal may be necessary. The D7471 code is used specifically for billing this type of surgical procedure under the Current Dental Terminology (CDT) code set.
This CDT code is essential for dental professionals when submitting claims for insurance reimbursement, as it clearly categorizes and documents the type of oral surgery performed. Dentists and oral surgeons often rely on this code when planning and billing for the excision of bony overgrowths that affect the buccal or lingual surfaces of the jaw.
When using the D7471 CDT Code for your dental billing procedures, it is crucial to review and compare it with other related CDT codes. Alternative dental codes may better suit the clinical scenario or provide a more accurate representation of the performed treatment. For instance, exostosis removal from other jaw locations or in conjunction with other procedures may fall under different CDT codes. Always verify the clinical details of the procedure to ensure you are using the most appropriate and accurate dental code for insurance submission and patient record documentation.
If you are unsure whether D7471 is the correct dental code for your patient’s procedure, consult the official CDT Code reference or speak with your dental billing specialist. Accurate code selection not only improves claim acceptance rates but also ensures compliance with insurance and record-keeping standards.
D7471 Dental Code Definition
What is D7471 Dental Code?
The D7471 Dental Code is an official CDT (Current Dental Terminology) code that refers to the surgical removal of a lateral exostosis from either the maxilla (upper jaw) or the mandible (lower jaw). A lateral exostosis is a benign bony outgrowth that develops on the facial (outer) side of the jawbone, often along the premolar or molar regions. These bony protrusions can create discomfort, interfere with oral hygiene practices, complicate denture placement, or cause aesthetic concerns for patients.
This CDT code is used by dental professionals and oral surgeons when billing for the surgical procedure necessary to remove such exostoses. The D7471 code ensures standardized reporting and accurate insurance claim submissions for procedures involving the excision of these jawbone growths. It plays a critical role in dental practice management by clearly identifying the specific type of surgical intervention provided to the patient.
Understanding the D7471 procedure code is essential for dental offices, billing specialists, and providers who perform oral surgery. This code should be used when the exostosis being removed is specifically located on the lateral (outer) side of either the upper or lower jaw and does not involve other types of bone removal procedures that may fall under different CDT codes.
When preparing a dental claim using D7471, it is advisable to carefully evaluate the clinical case and ensure the correct code selection. Accurate CDT coding helps prevent claim denials, improves reimbursement turnaround times, and maintains compliance with dental insurance requirements.
For the most precise billing and documentation, compare D7471 with other related surgical codes in the CDT code set. If your case involves additional procedures or more complex bone removal, another code may be more appropriate.
If you need further assistance with the D7471 dental procedure code, or any other CDT code, we encourage you to contact us or leave a comment below. Our expert team is here to support you with clear explanations and up-to-date coding guidance.
D7471 Dental Code & CDT Codes Explained
What are CDT Codes (Current Dental Terminology)?
If you’re looking for clarity on the D7471 Dental Code or any other CDT (Current Dental Terminology) code, it’s essential to first understand what CDT codes are and how they function within the field of dental care and insurance billing.
CDT codes, developed and maintained by the American Dental Association (ADA), are a standardized set of alphanumeric codes used to accurately describe dental procedures and services. These codes are essential tools for dentists, oral surgeons, dental hygienists, and billing professionals. They enable dental providers to communicate clearly and consistently with insurance carriers, patients, and government healthcare programs about the services rendered.
The D7471 CDT Code, specifically, refers to the removal of a lateral exostosis from the maxilla (upper jaw) or mandible (lower jaw). This type of procedure involves the surgical removal of a bony outgrowth from the outer surface of the jaw. Using the correct CDT code, such as D7471, ensures proper documentation, billing accuracy, and successful insurance claim submission for oral surgery procedures involving exostosis removal.
CDT codes are updated annually by the ADA to reflect advancements in dental procedures, terminology changes, coding edits, and payer requirements. Each revision may include newly added codes, deleted or replaced codes, and modifications to descriptions or usage guidelines. Keeping current with these updates is essential for maintaining compliance and avoiding insurance claim rejections.
In addition to the CDT code definitions, these codes also often come with payer-specific guidelines or carrier-specific code interpretations that must be followed. Dental insurance companies may have their own policies regarding code coverage, documentation requirements, and reimbursement rates, so it’s important to stay informed on both the official ADA coding and how individual carriers interpret those codes.
Whether you’re a dental professional, office manager, or billing specialist, understanding how CDT codes like D7471 work is vital for efficient practice management. Proper coding helps ensure accurate treatment records, legal compliance, and appropriate reimbursement for your dental services.
What professionals use D7471 Dental Code and Other CDT Codes?
The D7471 Dental Code, along with all other CDT codes (Current Dental Terminology), plays a critical role in the dental industry and is utilized by a wide range of professionals involved in patient care, treatment planning, claims processing, and dental practice management. These standardized codes are part of the Code on Dental Procedures and Nomenclature, which is published and updated annually by the American Dental Association (ADA).
CDT codes such as D7471—which specifically refers to the removal of lateral exostosis from the maxilla or mandible—are used by a variety of dental professionals and administrative personnel to ensure accurate documentation and effective communication between providers, insurance carriers, and patients. The professionals who commonly use these dental procedure codes include:
General Dentists and Dental Specialists
Dentists, including general practitioners, oral surgeons, and periodontists, rely on CDT codes like D7471 to document clinical procedures in patient records. Proper usage ensures clarity in treatment history and facilitates accurate coding for complex surgical cases, including bone removal procedures.
Dental Hygienists and Dental Assistants
While not directly involved in billing, dental hygienists and assistants often reference CDT codes to understand the procedures being performed and to help prepare clinical notes, treatment plans, or follow-up care instructions for patients.
Dental Office Managers and Administrative Staff
Office managers and front-desk staff are responsible for submitting claims to insurance providers. Understanding the correct use of CDT codes, including D7471, is essential for avoiding claim denials and ensuring that the office is reimbursed appropriately for the services delivered.
Dental Billing Specialists and Coders
Professionals in charge of dental billing and coding rely heavily on CDT codes to prepare and submit accurate insurance claims. These experts stay up to date on the latest ADA revisions and payer-specific coding requirements, ensuring compliance and maximizing claim approval rates.
Dental Insurance Providers and Claims Processors
Dental insurance companies use CDT codes like D7471 to assess submitted claims and determine coverage eligibility. The use of accurate and current CDT codes allows for efficient processing and reimbursement of dental services.
Educators and Dental Students
In academic settings, dental educators and students reference CDT codes to learn proper terminology, develop clinical documentation habits, and understand the business and administrative aspects of dentistry.
Because CDT codes are accepted and used by the vast majority of licensed dentists, dental offices, and dental insurance providers in the United States, they serve as the industry standard for describing dental procedures. Whether the treatment involves a routine cleaning or complex oral surgery like the removal of a lateral exostosis (D7471), CDT codes ensure that all stakeholders are speaking the same language.
If you need any kind of assistance or support regarding the D7471 Dental Code or any other CDT (Current Dental Terminology) codes, our dedicated and knowledgeable team is here to help. Whether you are a dental professional, billing coordinator, office manager, or dental student, we understand how important it is to use the correct dental procedure codes for accurate billing, claim submission, and patient recordkeeping.
At CDT-Codes.com, we specialize in providing clear, up-to-date, and reliable information on D7471 and all other CDT dental codes. Our platform is designed to serve as a trusted resource where you can find detailed explanations, usage guidelines, and updates related to dental billing codes, including those used for surgical procedures like the removal of lateral exostosis from the maxilla or mandible (D7471).
If you have questions about how to use D7471 for insurance billing, need clarification on code revisions, or are unsure whether another CDT code might be a better fit for a specific clinical scenario, we are just a message away. Please don’t hesitate to use our contact form page or leave a comment below. Our expert support team is always happy to provide personalized guidance and answer any questions you may have regarding dental coding and documentation best practices.
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Additional CDT Codes (Code on Dental Procedures and Nomenclature)
D7472 Dental Code
D7473 Dental Code
D7485 Dental Code
D7490 Dental Code
D7510 Dental Code
D7511 Dental Code
D7520 Dental Code
D7521 Dental Code
D7530 Dental Code
D7540 Dental Code