Billing Guide for D2954 PREFABRICATED POST AND CORE IN ADDITION TO CROWN
Solutions
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Description
This is an optional lesson that covers advanced billing guidelines. It is not required but may be helpful for further learning.
May 07, 2025
D2954
PREFABRICATED POST AND CORE IN ADDITION TO CROWN
Core is built around a prefabricated post. This procedure includes the core material.
WARNING!
1. It is misleading to report a prefabricated post and core (D2954) as an indirectly fabricated post and core (D2952), or vice versa.
2. By definition, prefabricated post and core in addition to crown (D2954) includes the core material placed around a prefabricated post. Do not report core buildup (D2950) in addition to D2954. When placing a prefabricated post and core in addition to crown, report only D2954.
3. It is inappropriate to report the canal preparation and fitting of the post (D3950) if the same provider will place the prefabricated post and core in addition to crown (D2954).
WATCH
The reporting of a post and core associated with the retainer crown of a bridge utilizes the same code. Report D2954 to describe a prefabricated post and core for either a single crown or retainer crown of a bridge.
COMMENTS
Enter the tooth number being treated in Box 27 of the 2024 ADA Dental Claim Form.
TIPS
If a post and core is placed in an endodontically treated tooth access hole and a filling (amalgam/composite) is placed rather than a crown placed, report D2999 to describe the placement of the post and core and the restoration of the natural tooth.
NARRATIVES
1. For anterior teeth, documentation of insufficient tooth structure to support the crown is sometimes required for reimbursement. Provide a narrative similar to the one for a core buildup. See D2950 for further details.
2. The prefabricated post and core (D2954) is generally reimbursed when used to restore an endodontically treated tooth. The reimbursement for D2954 is higher than a core buildup (D2950) and lower than a post and core in addition to crown, indirectly fabricated (D2952). A narrative may not be required for a posterior tooth. It is assumed that the buildup has been performed on an endodontically treated tooth. Many doctors routinely use prefabricated post and core (D2954) on endodontically treated teeth. The carbon Fibercor® post is frequently used as a prefabricated post. A diagnostic image of the endodontically treated tooth should be submitted to document the need for the prefabricated post and core. Photographs may be helpful to justify the need for a prefabricated post and core. Payor's generally require that the endodontic treatment be clinically acceptable and the tooth free of pathology (endodontic and periodontic).
3. If tooth does not have existing RCT (root canal therapy), at the time of the predetermination, state when RCT will be done.
4. Estimate and state percentage of healthy tooth structure left after fracture, caries and/or any previous restoration is removed. "See attached radiographic image." (Send PA radiographic image).
PREFABRICATED POST AND CORE IN ADDITION TO CROWN
Core is built around a prefabricated post. This procedure includes the core material.
WARNING!
1. It is misleading to report a prefabricated post and core (D2954) as an indirectly fabricated post and core (D2952), or vice versa.
2. By definition, prefabricated post and core in addition to crown (D2954) includes the core material placed around a prefabricated post. Do not report core buildup (D2950) in addition to D2954. When placing a prefabricated post and core in addition to crown, report only D2954.
3. It is inappropriate to report the canal preparation and fitting of the post (D3950) if the same provider will place the prefabricated post and core in addition to crown (D2954).
WATCH
The reporting of a post and core associated with the retainer crown of a bridge utilizes the same code. Report D2954 to describe a prefabricated post and core for either a single crown or retainer crown of a bridge.
COMMENTS
Enter the tooth number being treated in Box 27 of the 2024 ADA Dental Claim Form.
TIPS
If a post and core is placed in an endodontically treated tooth access hole and a filling (amalgam/composite) is placed rather than a crown placed, report D2999 to describe the placement of the post and core and the restoration of the natural tooth.
NARRATIVES
1. For anterior teeth, documentation of insufficient tooth structure to support the crown is sometimes required for reimbursement. Provide a narrative similar to the one for a core buildup. See D2950 for further details.
2. The prefabricated post and core (D2954) is generally reimbursed when used to restore an endodontically treated tooth. The reimbursement for D2954 is higher than a core buildup (D2950) and lower than a post and core in addition to crown, indirectly fabricated (D2952). A narrative may not be required for a posterior tooth. It is assumed that the buildup has been performed on an endodontically treated tooth. Many doctors routinely use prefabricated post and core (D2954) on endodontically treated teeth. The carbon Fibercor® post is frequently used as a prefabricated post. A diagnostic image of the endodontically treated tooth should be submitted to document the need for the prefabricated post and core. Photographs may be helpful to justify the need for a prefabricated post and core. Payor's generally require that the endodontic treatment be clinically acceptable and the tooth free of pathology (endodontic and periodontic).
3. If tooth does not have existing RCT (root canal therapy), at the time of the predetermination, state when RCT will be done.
4. Estimate and state percentage of healthy tooth structure left after fracture, caries and/or any previous restoration is removed. "See attached radiographic image." (Send PA radiographic image).
