Which HIPAA code set would be used by dental practices to report dental procedures?

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

Answer: (D)

Dental procedures are reported using Current Dental Terminology (CDT) codes. CDT is the standard code set designated for dentistry under HIPAA, maintained by the American Dental Association, and used to describe dental services such as fillings, crowns, root canals, cleanings, and radiographs on claims. The other code sets serve different domains: CPT codes cover medical procedures performed by physicians and other clinicians; ICD-9-CM (now ICD-10-CM/PCS) handles diagnoses (and some procedures in certain contexts) rather than the specific dental procedures; and NDC codes identify medications. Because the question focuses on reporting dental procedures, CDT is the appropriate and designated code set.