New CDT Codes Added to Bill for COVID-19 Vaccines

The ADA Code Maintenance Committee just approved new 2021 CDT codes to bill for COVID-19 vaccines.

The ADA announced earlier this month that dentists and dental students are among providers now authorized to administer the COVID-19 vaccines nationwide. This means dentists need to use the new CDT codes to bill for COVID-19 vaccines.

This new resolution adds 7 new codes related to vaccine administration, and 1 new code for molecular testing. All 7 of the new vaccine codes will be part of the preventative category. The single testing code is part of the diagnostic category.

DentiMax updated the 2021 CDT code Installer with the new codes. These are available to DentiMax customers for purchase, or they. may come with your package.

The codes related to vaccines depend on the brand, as well as if it’s the patient’s first or second dose. Individual state laws and FDA approval will be the determining factor on who can administer the vaccine.

If your practice will administer vaccines or perform testing, you may need to submit data to your state’s immunization information system. This in addition to standard patient documentation.

The practice may choose if they want to provide testing and vaccinations or not. They can also decide how they will implement it into their workflow and billing processes. The ADA also released a fact sheet providing important information about who is eligible for the vaccine, potential side effects, as well as information about the clinical trials.

The ADA will be providing a special documentation regarding coding guidance related to vaccinations which will be updated and available on the Coding Education page of the ADA’s website. There are no references available as to potential dental insurance reimbursement. So we recommend calling the insurance company to verify what type of coverage may exist.

The ADA asks that you direct any inquiries about the new codes to dentalcode@ada.org or by calling the ADA Member Service Center at (800) 621-8099.

Click below for the new CDT 2021 codes added for vaccine administration and molecular testing.