Creating additional codes for ortho

[Smilesbypayet]

So we're running into a problem with ortho specifically. We offer Invisalign Full/Teen/Express and Six-Month Braces. With Invisalign Full/Teen it's not a problem with codes because they're just comp adult or comp teen.

For Express 5, Express 10, and Six-Month Braces, though, they all qualify as Limited Orthodontic Treatment, but we have different fees for them.

Is there a way we can create separate codes for each with the appropriate fee that can still be processed by insurance? I was thinking of adding a decimal to each as follows, but don't know if it would mess up OD or when the insurance cos get the claim:

D8040.1 = Express 5
D8040.2 = Express 10
D8040.3 - Six-Month Braces

Does anyone know if this would work?

[drtech]

works fine, you can even put a more descriptive name instead of just the .1, etc if you want. it gets cut off on the claim, so it is only internal on the code field

[Smilesbypayet]

works fine, you can even put a more descriptive name instead of just the .1, etc if you want. it gets cut off on the claim, so it is only internal on the code field

Awesome, thank you. I just created some new codes with the appropriate fees and we'll give it a try!

[jclaydds]

We use this method all the time. We don't add decimals but add letters. The format might by DXXXXa, DXXXXb, DXXXXc, etc. Of course the X's represent the numbers in the procedure code. Use your imagination. If you want to charge different fees for the same procedure code, you might have a molar sealant fee and a bicuspid sealant fee. You might have multiple fees for N2O based on the length the patient is on N2O. We use this method most often when dispensing products in our office. We use same code with a different letter following so we have different procedure codes (and different fees) for Fluoridex, Omni Gel, Peridex, etc You will find a lot of uses for this method -- not just ortho codes. As Dr. Tech says, no matter how many numbers or letters your code ends up being, Open Dental only keeps the first 5 characters and discards the rest so your claims won't be affected.

http://opendental.com/manual/procedurecodeedit.html

Excerpt from this section of manual: The ProcCode is not editable. You can start with a new code or edit an existing code, but instead of deleting a code, you should just place it in the obsolete category where it won't get used. Notice that the code may be up to 15 digits. Any code starting with a D will be shortened to 5 characters before being included on an insurance claim. So, for example, you can have two different codes for nitrous with the difference being a letter that is added to the end of a standard D code. When sent to insurance, they will look like standard 5 digit codes.

[jourdo]

Can something like this be done with the Canadian version?

[jordansparks]

Yes, it can. We've added this to our short list of enhancements.

[grahamde]

The change has been made and released in versions 12.2.39 and 12.3.12 and later.