D7873 Dental Code
D7873 Dental Code is the dental procedure for Arthroscopy – lavage and lysis of adhesions.
The D7873 Dental Code refers to the dental procedure known as “Arthroscopy – lavage and lysis of adhesions.” This procedure involves the use of arthroscopic techniques to irrigate the joint (lavage) and release any fibrous tissue or adhesions that may be restricting movement or causing joint pain. It is typically performed on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and is used in cases where conservative treatment methods for TMJ dysfunction have not yielded satisfactory results.
If you are preparing to bill a patient or insurance carrier for this service using CDT Code D7873, it is essential to first ensure that this code is the most accurate match for the clinical procedure being performed. Reviewing the most current CDT Code guidelines is crucial for avoiding billing errors, claim denials, or incorrect coding practices.
When billing for D7873 – Arthroscopy, lavage and lysis of adhesions, you should also verify whether there are any additional or alternative Current Dental Terminology (CDT) codes that might better describe the specific nature of the procedure, based on the provider’s documentation and the treatment rendered. Carefully comparing D7873 against related dental procedure codes will help confirm that your billing reflects the true extent and type of services provided, improving both claim acceptance rates and reimbursement accuracy.
D7873 Dental Code Definition
What is D7873 Dental Code?
The D7873 Dental Code is a procedure code listed in the Current Dental Terminology (CDT) coding system developed by the American Dental Association (ADA). This specific code refers to the dental procedure described as “Arthroscopy – lavage and lysis of adhesions.”
So, what exactly is D7873? The D7873 CDT Code is used to report a minimally invasive surgical procedure involving the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). During this procedure, an arthroscope is inserted into the joint space to allow for visualization, followed by a process of lavage (flushing the joint) to remove inflammatory byproducts. In addition, lysis of adhesions is performed to break down fibrous tissue that may be restricting movement within the joint. This code is particularly important in cases of TMJ dysfunction, chronic joint pain, or mechanical jaw limitations where conservative treatments have failed.
The use of D7873 is essential for accurate dental procedure billing, documentation, and insurance claim submissions when performing this type of TMJ arthroscopy. By assigning this CDT code properly, dental professionals ensure that the procedure is correctly identified and reimbursed in accordance with dental insurance and billing protocols.
Understanding the correct application of the D7873 dental procedure code helps reduce claim denials and improves billing accuracy. If you’re unsure whether D7873 is the appropriate code for your case, it is highly recommended to review the procedure details and consult updated CDT code guidelines to verify its relevance.
D7873 Dental Code & CDT Codes Explained
What are CDT Codes (Current Dental Terminology)?
If you’re seeking detailed information about the D7873 Dental Code or trying to better understand how CDT codes (Current Dental Terminology) work, you’re in the right place. Dental billing and insurance claims rely heavily on the correct use of CDT codes, which are maintained and published by the American Dental Association (ADA) to standardize dental procedures across the United States.
The D7873 CDT Code specifically refers to “Arthroscopy – lavage and lysis of adhesions,” a procedure involving the flushing and release of adhesions within the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). But to use this or any dental procedure code effectively, it’s essential to understand how CDT codes function overall and why accurate coding is crucial for billing and reimbursement.
So, what are CDT codes exactly?
CDT (Current Dental Terminology) codes are the standard set of procedure codes used to document dental services in patient records, insurance claims, and treatment planning. These alphanumeric codes (like D7873) are updated annually by the ADA to reflect changes in clinical practice, emerging dental technologies, and updated regulatory requirements. CDT codes ensure that dental professionals, insurance carriers, and third-party payers speak a common language when it comes to dental billing and documentation.
In addition to code definitions like D7873, the ADA’s annual updates often include revisions, deletions, and new procedure codes, as well as editorial changes to enhance clarity and precision. Dental insurance providers and clearinghouses also rely on these codes to process claims accurately, determine benefits eligibility, and validate submitted procedures.
What professionals use D7873 Dental Code and Other CDT Codes?
The D7873 Dental Code, along with all other CDT codes (Current Dental Terminology), is used by a wide range of dental professionals and administrative staff across the dental industry. These codes are published annually by the American Dental Association (ADA) as part of the Code on Dental Procedures and Nomenclature, which serves as the official coding standard for dental services in the United States.
So, who exactly uses the D7873 Dental Code and other CDT codes? Primarily, licensed dentists and oral surgeons rely on CDT codes like D7873 to accurately document and report the procedures they perform. In the case of D7873, which refers to “Arthroscopy – lavage and lysis of adhesions,” this code would typically be used by dental professionals specializing in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, oral surgery, or advanced diagnostic procedures related to joint dysfunction.
In addition to dental providers, dental office managers, billing coordinators, and insurance specialists use CDT codes every day to submit claims, prepare treatment plans, and communicate clearly with third-party payers. These professionals depend on the accuracy of CDT coding—especially for procedures like D7873—to ensure timely reimbursement, proper documentation, and compliance with insurance policies and federal billing standards.
Dental insurance companies also utilize the CDT coding system to verify services rendered, determine benefit eligibility, and process claims consistently across providers and states. CDT codes like D7873 help insurers evaluate the medical necessity of procedures and streamline claim approvals, reducing delays and preventing claim rejections.
Beyond individual practices and insurance carriers, dental billing software platforms, electronic health record (EHR) systems, and dental consulting firms integrate CDT codes into their workflows and services. These systems depend on the standardized format of CDT codes to maintain consistency in clinical documentation and billing automation.
If you have any questions or need professional assistance regarding the D7873 Dental Code or any other CDT (Current Dental Terminology) code, our expert support team is here to help. At CDT-Codes.com, we are committed to providing accurate, up-to-date, and reliable information to dental professionals, billing specialists, and administrative teams navigating the complex world of dental procedure coding.
Whether you’re unsure how to use CDT Code D7873 – Arthroscopy, lavage and lysis of adhesions, or you’re searching for clarification on another dental procedure code, our knowledgeable team is ready to assist with any coding-related issue. From dental billing questions and insurance code interpretation to compliance support and documentation tips, we’re here to help you ensure accurate and effective CDT code usage.
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Additional CDT Codes (Code on Dental Procedures and Nomenclature)
D7874 Dental Code
D7875 Dental Code
D7876 Dental Code
D7877 Dental Code
D7880 Dental Code
D7881 Dental Code
D7899 Dental Code
D7910 Dental Code
D7911 Dental Code
D7912 Dental Code