by Christine Woolstenhulme, QMC QCC CMCS CPC CMRS
Dec 20th, 2018
Treating a diabetic patient with medical oral complications may be covered under the patient's medical plan. With the patient's oral health at risk, the medical portion may reimburse for certain procedures, since medical plans only pay from medical necessity the treatment must be considered medically necessary. A diabetic patient is considered high risk and if the diabetes is marginally or poorly controlled may pose greater oral complications requiring medical intervention.
Some Oral manifestations that are generally seen may include some of the following:
- Gingivitis
- Periodontitis
- Disturbances of salivary secretion (Hypoptyalism, Ptyalism, Xerostomia)
- Burning sensation in the mouth (possibly be related to neuropathy)
- Impaired/delayed wound healing, increased incidence, and severity of infections
- Secondary infection with candidiasis
- Parotid salivary gland enlargement
With the above medical problems, you may consider billing the patients medical plan.
NOTE: Always check with the payer for coverage and exclusions for the patient's medical plan.
For example, if you were to bill the dental plan you would use the Dental Code, D4210 Gingivectomy or gingivoplasty - four or more contiguous teeth or tooth bounded spaces per quadrant.
When billing the medical plan you would use the following medical codes:
41872 Gingivoplasty each quadrant specify
K05.10 - Chronic gingivitis, plaque-induced
E11.630 - Type 2 diabetes mellitus with periodontal disease
References/Resources
About Christine Woolstenhulme, QMC QCC CMCS CPC CMRS
Christine Woolstenhulme, CPC, QCC, CMCS, CMRS, is a Certified coder and Medical Biller currently employed with Find-A-Code. Bringing over 30 years of insight, business knowledge, and innovation to the healthcare industry. Establishing a successful Medical Billing Company from 1994 to 2015, during this time, Christine has had the opportunity to learn all aspects of revenue cycle management while working with independent practitioners and in clinic settings. Christine was a VAR for AltaPoint EHR software sales, along with management positions and medical practice consulting. Understanding the complete patient engagement cycle and developing efficient processes to coordinate teams ensuring best practice standards in healthcare. Working with payers on coding and interpreting ACA policies according to state benchmarks and insurance filings and implementing company procedures and policies to coordinate teams and payer benefits.