Which HIPAA code set is used to report dental procedures?

• A. CPT
• B. NDC
• C. ICD-9-CM
• D. CDT

Answer: (D)

HIPAA requires standardized code sets for reporting health services, and dental procedures use a specialized code set called Current Dental Terminology. This system, maintained by the American Dental Association, catalogs dental procedures—from cleanings and fillings to crowns and X-rays—so claims and records can be exchanged consistently across payers. Because it is specifically built for dental work, CDT is the correct code set for reporting dental procedures in HIPAA-compliant transactions.

Other code sets serve different purposes: CPT codes cover medical procedures and services, ICD-9-CM (now ICD-10-CM/ICD-10-PCS) handles diagnoses, and NDC codes identify medications.