2024 Brings New Codes & More!

December 2023

Looking ahead, this January will bring a new set of CDT, CPT, ICD codes and a new 2024 ADA claim form. Incorporating all of these changes has a broad impact on your practice. From communicating these changes to staff to updating your software!

New Codes

Why are these changes so important? New code sets not only mean code additions but also code revisions as well as code deletions. Moreover, it’s a trifecta of updates across dental codes, medical codes, and diagnosis codes. Plus, these changes may impact dental/medical cross coding for oral surgery. It’s a lot.

In 2024, there will be:

·         14 new, 2 revised CDT dental codes and 1 new service category (ada.org);

·         230 new, 70 revised, and 49 deleted CPT medical codes (ama-assn.org);

·         395 new, 22 revised, and 25 deleted ICD-10 diagnosis codes (aapc.com).

Keeping up-to-date with all of these code changes not only helps ensure that a patient’s record reflects current treatment definitions but it is also essential in avoiding code related claim rejections that disrupt efficient claim processing and timely reimbursement. Let’s say that again—codes must be current to avoid unnecessary rejections/denials and maintain efficient claim processing and timely reimbursement.

New 2024 ADA Claim Form

A new version of the ADA Claim Form and its updated completion instructions will be effective January 1, 2024. Many new form fields will enhance processing, including the new inclusions of the electronic payer id directly within the form itself. Hooray!

Learn all about the new form at www.ada.org/publications/cdt/ada-dental-claim-form.

What’s your plan?

1. How are code and form updates being communicated to staff? What resources do they need?
   Nearly all of your staff need to be aware of these updates. Frontline staff need to begin implementing new codes immediately in treatment planning while billing staff need to be aware of how code and form updates impact claim processing. There are many coding resources such as books, ebooks, companions, apps, webinars and more designed to help communicate the new code sets. Check out ADA, AMA, AAOMS, AHIMA, and other memberships and associations you have to find what works best for you.

2. How is code and claim form data updated in practice management software?
   All software databases and vendor agreements handle updates differently. Many databases update automatically on a maintenance schedule while others require scheduling an update manually. Reach out to a software representative to find out how code and form updates are imported into your software. Many vendors even have dedicated webpages and resources specifically for these updates.

Dental Billing & Consulting Professionals is also happy to be a resource to you in this process. Our services are customized to each practice’s specific needs and goals. Call or text us at (860) 435-7344 any time for a free consultation on how we can support you in optimizing your billing.