Can I be a Work-From-Home Dental Coder ?

As a dental biller, you might be wondering how dental coding fits into your work when you’re remote. Access to the “latest and greatest” CDT code changes and procedural processes is essential to keeping your workflow smooth. No one wants to spend time Googling what a code means or covers. So how do you do it?

What do CDT codes mean for my work?

CDT codes are the standardized set of codes used by dentists and dental professionals to report dental procedures and services. They are developed and maintained by the American Dental Association (ADA). Every dental procedure, from a simple cleaning to a more complex surgery, has a specific CDT code.

Accuracy is everything

As a dental biller working from home, one of your primary responsibilities is to ensure that dental claims are processed accurately. Incorrect or outdated CDT codes can lead to claim rejections, delays in payments, or even potential audits. When working remotely, staying on top of CDT code changes and understanding how to apply them to different dental procedures is crucial for minimizing errors.

Keeping up with CDT changes

Each year, the ADA releases updates to CDT codes, which reflect changes in dental practices, new technologies, or emerging procedures. Working from home means that you may not have immediate access to colleagues or supervisors to double-check a code, so keeping your resources current and accurate is essential. When you work with eAssist, our partnership with Practice Booster means you get CDT code changes as they’re updated, as well as access to Code Advisor, a proprietary search engine-style platform with tips on how to get coded claims paid accurately.

What does Practice Booster’s Code Advisor do for me?

Here are some features you can expect when using Code Advisor:

• Code Advisor’s Warnings, Cautions, and Matches use an innovative Predictive Error Correction (trademarked) technology, designed to help stop coding errors before they happen
• Code Comments provide more details on the proper use of a CDT code, and Code Limitations highlight where the code may not be applicable
• Coding Tips and Narrative guidelines offer insight into properly reporting CDT codes to gain timely and maximum reimbursement on claims
• Flowcharts and images show the proper sequencing of procedures with related coding techniques

Show your work

Using CDT codes correctly also requires you to be detail-oriented and organized. Maintaining accurate records of the services provided, cross-referencing codes with procedure descriptions, and checking your work before submission will help reduce errors. Thankfully, Practice Booster gives you all of these details and more, and is a free benefit to all remote dental billers working for eAssist.

The bottom line

CDT codes are the backbone of dental billing. Staying up-to-date with the latest changes and maintaining clear communication with the dental practice are key to your success in this role. By mastering CDT codes, you’ll not only make your job easier but also contribute to the financial health and peace of mind of your practice.