NEW AMERICAN DENTAL ASSOCIATION CODE INCLUDES SCANNING PROCEDURE FOR THE CANARY SYSTEM
Toronto, Canada
– The American Dental Association (ADA) has approved the addition of a
procedure / billing code for caries detection with the following
nomenclature: “Non‐ionizing diagnostic procedure capable of
quantifying, monitoring, and recording changes in structure of enamel,
dentin and cementum” for the 2017 ADA Fee Guide. The announcement
was published on the ADA website on April 11, 2016. The new code was
unanimously approved by the ADA Code Maintenance Committee Meeting in
March. This new code recognizes the advances made in caries detection
and provides dentists with the ability to bill using this procedure.
Examination
with The Canary System, involving quantifying, monitoring and recording
changes in the structure of enamel, dentin and cementum, will be
covered under this procedure code. Detection methods using visual
examination, explorers and other tactile probes, fluorescence or
transillumination with visible light (not near-infra red light) may not
fall under the code’s definition because of their inability to detect
changes in all the tissues or to record and quantify changes in these
tissues.
“This new procedure code moves caries detection into the 21st
century”, said Dr. Stephen Abrams, President of Quantum Dental
Technologies. “Recognizing the value of technologies that can monitor,
measure and quantify changes in tooth structure now provides patients
access to improved methods for treating caries. This billing code
establishes the importance of ongoing examination of caries with
appropriate modalities so that dentists can provide a wide range of
treatment options and monitor outcomes. It offers patients and dentists
another option that does not involve ionizing radiation to detect
caries.”
Obtaining
a published ADA code provides a US dentist with the ability to bill
patients directly and bill third-party carriers and insurers using a
specific code for this service. The code will be published in the ADA
Dental Procedure Code Book and takes effect January 1, 2017.
About ADA Billing Codes and the Code Maintenance Committee:
The
American Dental Association (ADA) established the CDT (Code on Dental
Procedures and Nomenclature) to achieve uniformity, consistency and
specificity in accurately documenting dental treatment. The Code
Maintenance Committee comprised of representatives from the ADA, dental
speciality organizations, dental insurers and third party payors
(including Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, Delta Dental Plans
Association and National Association of Dental Plans), reviews requests
for additions and changes to the existing CDT codes. This committee is
expected to arrive at decisions that are in the best interests of the
profession and patients and third‐party payers/administrators. Further
information can be found on the ADA web site.
About The Canary System:
The
Canary System is a non‐ionizing diagnostic caries detection device
capable of quantifying, monitoring, and recording changes in structure
of enamel, dentin and cementum. With its unique crystal structure
diagnostics, oral health professionals can detect, image and measure
tooth decay on all tooth surfaces, around the margins of restorations,
beneath opaque sealants, and detect cracks in teeth. The accompanying
Canary Cloud enables dentists to view and manage this data and track
Canary usage in the office; patients can also view their Canary reports
and track their progress in managing caries.
Visit www.thecanarysystem.com or email sales@thecanarysystem.com to request additional information.
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