Asynchronous and Synchronous Teledentistry

Understanding Insurance Billing Code For Asynchronous and Synchronous Teledensitry

The emergence of teledentistry has opened new doors for dental practices. Dentists now have the option to treat their patients from a distance, providing face-to-face consultations and guidance even when they’re not in the office.

There are two forms this can take: One is synchronous teledentistry, in which dentists provide real-time treatment over a video conference. The other is asynchronous teledentistry, which is when a patient sends information about his or her condition through email or text to be reviewed at a different time.

Teledentistry can be combined with other services, such as an in-office visit to a hygienist followed by a remote review by the dentist. These technologies have expanded the horizons of care, but also created new insurance billing codes dental offices should know and understand.

Common Billing Codes for Teledentistry

If your practice doesn’t know what these codes are, you will almost certainly run into difficulty when seeking reimbursement. Here are some of the most common and what they mean:

• D0140 — Limited Oral Evaluation — Problem Focused: This is an evaluation related to a specific complaint.

• D0170 — Re-Evaluation — Limited, Problem Focused: This refers to an evaluation of an existing condition.

• D0171 — Re-Evaluation — Post-Operative Office Visit: Includes any evaluations and care given following an operation.

• D9995 — Teledentistry — Synchronous: Any care delivered in real-time via a telehealth platform.

• D9996 — Teledentistry — Asynchronous: Reviewing information forwarded to the dentist by the patient related to other procedures.

Choose Denteractive

Now that you know more about these billing codes, turn to Denteractive to provide your practice with the ability to treat patients remotely. Our HIPAA-compliant teledentistry platform can benefit your office in numerous ways.

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