The Code Maintenance Committee at its March meeting approved four new codes that reflect ADA policy on the role of dentistry in the treatment of sleep apnea, along with 10 other additions and two revisions to the CDT Code that will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2024.
Dentists can and do play an essential role in the care of patients with sleep-related breathing disorders and are well-positioned to identify and treat patients at greater risk of those disorders, said Jessica Stilley-Mallah, D.M.D., committee chair and chair of the ADA Council on Dental Benefit Programs.
“As of January 1, 2024, there will be codes for sleep apnea procedures such as screenings and home sleep apnea tests, as well as fabrication, delivery and titration of oral appliance therapy devices,” Dr. Stilley-Mallah said. “These codes expand upon the current CDT codes for custom sleep apnea appliance delivery, adjustment and repair procedures.”
The CMC also approved a code for immunization counseling, which is described as a review of a patient’s vaccine and medical history and discussion of the vaccine benefits, risks and consequences of not obtaining it. This procedure may be reported for any type of vaccine, and also includes a discussion of questions and concerns the patient, family or caregiver may have and suggestions on where the patient can obtain the vaccine.
The council established the Code Maintenance Committee to ensure that all stakeholders have an active role in evaluating and voting on CDT Code changes. The CMC, which meets annually, is expected to arrive at decisions that are in the best interests of the profession, patients and third-party payers/administrators.
Other code additions approved at the March meeting concern the following procedures:
The CMC also approved clarifying revisions of two existing codes:
Educational and reference information on CDT is available at ADA.org .