Is your dental practice performing COVID-19 tests?

The Code Maintenance Committee (CMC) is tasked with ensuring dentists have CDT codes to accurately document what you do. CMC met for a called meeting in the Spring of 2020 at the start of the pandemic for discussion of potential future CDT codes needed to describe antigen and antibody testing in the dental setting. 

What are the dental CDT codes for COVID testing?

CMC voted to include D0604 antigen testing and D0605 antibody testing in CDT 2021. These codes became effective January 1, 2021. These are two distinct tests.

D0604 antigen testing for a public health related pathogen, including coronavirus

D0605 antibody testing for a public health related pathogen, including coronavirus

Antigen testing determines if a patient is actively infected with a virus. Antibody testing documents past exposures to a virus. Many Point of Care (POC) tests for coronavirus are continuing to be developed and are becoming more readily available to dental practices.

The annual CMC meeting was held, virtually, on March 11 – March 12, 2021. The CMC accepted 16 new codes, 6 deleted codes, 13 revisions, and 10 editorial revisions into CDT 2022.

What are the dental CDT codes for COVID vaccines?

Eight of those new codes relate to COVID-19 vaccine administration and COVID-19 testing. These 8 codes were accepted into CDT 2021 under special provisions. These 8 codes are effective immediately.

One of the 8 new codes for CDT 2022 is D0606 molecular testing. Acceptance of D0606 into CDT 2021, effective immediately closes a gap in the testing codes, relevant to COVID-19.

D0606 molecular testing for a public health related pathogen, including coronavirus

Code D0606 closes a gap in the section of CDT for testing for public health related pathogens and is effective immediately. D0606 reports a rapid COVID-19 test. Molecular tests have been proven to be accurate and are available to dentists to perform in office. 

The code language for D0604, D0605, and D0606 is broad and not specific to Coronavirus to allow for future implementation of other antigen, antibody, and molecular testing that may be performed by dentists.

It is important to note that the practice providing molecular testing in the office may be subject to CLIA rules. For additional information regarding CLIA, visit https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Legislation/CLIA 

Resources for dental practices administering COVID-19 testing 

The information provided in this article is current as of the publication date. The CMC is dedicated to considering inclusion of additional pandemic related procedures as needed throughout the pandemic. It is advisable to stay up to date with any local, state and federal rules and regulations by utilizing the resources referenced in this article.

Before implementing either of these tests in your practice, it is important to note that a practice will be subject to regulation under the Clinician Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988, commonly referred to as CLIA. A certificate must be obtained from CLIA prior to performing laboratory tests including but not limited to antigen testing, antibody testing, glucose tests, etc.