coding for toothache

for billing purposes what dx can a medical doctor use when a patient comes in because of a toothache. medicare denied claim for using a dental dx

Coding for a toothache

Medicare will not pay for dx's that are dental related because they feel they should go to thier dentist. Most all other insurances follow that same general rule I would have any patient's that would come in for that reason with Medicare sign a ABN. That is what we would do within the Immediate care centers and let the patient's know up front that thier ins. probably would not cover and they would be responsible.