Is Dental Coding the Same as Medical Coding

While medical coding relies on Current Procedural Terminology (CPT), medical billing codes for dental procedures utilizes Current Dental Terminology (CDT).

Is medical and dental billing the same?

One reason is there are differences between medical billing and dental billing. Standard dental work typically will get billed to dental insurance companies. However, services like sleep dentistry could fall under medical insurance, which is completely different than working with a dental insurance company.

What is the difference between CDT and CPT codes?

CDT procedure codes are used when reporting dental procedures to a dental payer. Many medical payers will accept the CDT code when there is no applicable medical cross code (CPT) or when the CDT is the most accurate code to describe the dental procedure performed.