Broadened Definition for Porcelain/Ceramic Materials in the CDT Code Takes Effect January 1, 2013
New
classification means 3M™ ESPE™ Lava™ Ultimate Restorative will receive same reimbursement
as other porcelain/ceramic materials
ST.
PAUL, Minn. – January 11, 2013 – Effective January 1, 2013, 3M™ ESPE™ Lava™ Ultimate Restorative will fall under the CDT Code’s broadened
definition of porcelain/ceramic materials thus allowing Lava Ultimate restorative
to be classified as a porcelain/ceramic. This classification is solely to aid
selection of the appropriate procedure code to achieve uniformity, consistency
and specificity in accurately reporting dental treatment.
Lava Ultimate restorative is an
innovative new material formulated from a blend of approximately 80 percent
nanoceramic particles embedded in a highly-cured resin matrix using a proprietary
3M manufacturing process. When the material was originally launched, the ADA’s CDT
Code nomenclature did not yet reflect the advances in material science that
Lava Ultimate restorative represents, resulting in challenges with selecting
the proper dental procedure code for insurance reimbursement. With the
broadened definition for indirect porcelain/ceramic restorations, Lava Ultimate
restorative will fall under any CDT code defined for ceramics, allowing for the
same rate of reimbursement as other ceramic materials.
"With
this change, effective January 1, 2013, we want to ensure that all dentists know
about the broadened definition of porcelain/ceramics and what it means for
their practice,” said John Stefanick, director
of industry & professional relations, 3M ESPE. “This broadened definition
of porcelain/ceramics in the CDT Code helps to make the benefits of advanced
material science accessible to more patients.”
The insurance
reimbursement enabled by the revised definition of porcelain/ceramic materials will
make it even easier for dentists to take advantage of Lava Ultimate restorative’s
unique functionality, providing restorations that are strong as well as kind to
opposing dentition. The restorations can be repaired intraorally if necessary,
and are backed by a 10-year warranty from 3M ESPE. With the ability to code
Lava Ultimate restorative like other porcelain/ceramic materials for insurance
reimbursement, beginning January 1, 2013, even more dentists and patients can
experience the outstanding qualities of this material.
For more information about Lava Ultimate
restorative, visit www.3mespe.com/LavaUltimate.
The
Current Dental Terminology (CDT) is the intellectual property of the American
Dental Association and is protected by copyright.
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3M ESPE is a
dental product manufacturer that markets more than 2,000 dental products and
services. 3M ESPE dental products are designed to help dental professionals
improve their patients' oral health care. The 3M Digital Oral Care Department,
part of the 3M ESPE Division, aims to accelerate and strengthen 3M’s efforts to
lead the digital transformation that is occurring in oral care. 3M Health Care,
one of 3M’s six major business segments, provides world-class innovative
products and services to help health care professionals improve the practice
and delivery of patient care in medical, oral care, drug delivery and health
information markets. For more information on the complete 3M ESPE line of
dental products, visit the 3M ESPE website at http://www.3MESPE.com
or call the 3M ESPE Technical Hotline at 1-800-634-2249. Products are
available for purchase through authorized 3M ESPE distributors.
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