Coding with Kyle: Nitrous oxide
Learn more about how to use code D9230 to submit insurance claims for patients who benefit from the use of nitrous oxide.
Code D9230 is to be used for inhalation of nitrous oxide/analgesia, anxiolysis.
Insurance reimbursements depend on a well-documented narrative indicating the necessity for providing nitrous oxide to your patient.
If additional time was spent with the patient due to anxiety or behavior control, report D9920: Behavior management, by report in addition to D9230 for each additional fifteen minutes spent to ease the patient to be able to provide dental care.
A narrative detailing the following points can help facilitate payment, should the procedures be covered by the patient’s dental plan.
High levels of anxiety required the use of nitrous oxide due to patient phobia
Nitrous oxide was required to obtain full cooperation of the patient during the dental visit
The procedure required additional time due to behavioral management issues and to obtain full cooperation of the patient.
The administration of nitrous oxide was successful in allowing the restoration to occur and provided the patient with a favorable prognosis.
Without administration of nitrous oxide, the procedure could not have been completed as it was a necessity for behavioral management.
Finally, be sure to document the patient’s record should all or some of the reasons for necessity apply and submit current radiographs and periodontal charting from within the last six months if required.
Author Bio- Kyle L. Summerford is founder of Dental Manager Connect LLC. Being a dental office manager, dental practice consultant, and dental coding educator, he is able to provide services of value to dental practices, and their staff nationwide. Mr. Summerford has a passion for teaching and educating within the dental community and has presented at many dental CE events and academic institutions- Stony Brook University, New York City County Dental Society, Georgia Regents University and more.
He has authored many articles under his dental coding column named "Dental Coding with Kyle". He lectures on boosting profitability by using his unique approach of ways to educate the patient leading to increased case acceptance. He is the founder of Dental Office Managers Community and Dentalofficemanagers.com both valuable resources to dentists and their staff helping to connect dental peers and share knowledge with one another.