NEW AMERICAN DENTAL ASSOCIATION CODE INCLUDES SCANNING PROCEDURE FOR THE CANARY SYSTEM


Toronto, Canada – The American Dental Association (ADA) has approved the addition of a procedure / billing code for caries detection with the following nomenclature: Non‐ionizing diagnostic procedure capable of quantifying, monitoring, and recording changes in structure of enamel, dentin and cementum” for the 2017 ADA Fee Guide. The announcement was published on the ADA website on April 11, 2016. The new code was unanimously approved by the ADA Code Maintenance Committee Meeting in March.  This new code recognizes the advances made in caries detection and provides dentists with the ability to bill using this procedure. 

Examination with The Canary System, involving quantifying, monitoring and recording changes in the structure of enamel, dentin and cementum, will be covered under this procedure code.  Detection methods using visual examination, explorers and other tactile probes, fluorescence or transillumination with visible light (not near-infra red light) may not fall under the code’s definition because of their inability to detect changes in all the tissues or to record and quantify changes in these tissues. 

“This new procedure code moves caries detection into the 21st century”, said Dr. Stephen Abrams, President of Quantum Dental Technologies. “Recognizing the value of technologies that can monitor, measure and quantify changes in tooth structure now provides patients access to improved methods for treating caries. This billing code establishes the importance of ongoing examination of caries with appropriate modalities so that dentists can provide a wide range of treatment options and monitor outcomes.  It offers patients and dentists another option that does not involve ionizing radiation to detect caries.”

Obtaining a published ADA code provides a US dentist with the ability to bill patients directly and bill third-party carriers and insurers using a specific code for this service.  The code will be published in the ADA Dental Procedure Code Book and takes effect January 1, 2017.

About ADA Billing Codes and the Code Maintenance Committee:
The American Dental Association (ADA) established the CDT (Code on Dental Procedures and Nomenclature) to achieve uniformity, consistency and specificity in accurately documenting dental treatment. The Code Maintenance Committee comprised of representatives from the ADA, dental speciality organizations, dental insurers and third party payors (including Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, Delta Dental Plans Association and National Association of Dental Plans), reviews requests for additions and changes to the existing CDT codes. This committee is expected to arrive at decisions that are in the best interests of the profession and patients and third‐party payers/administrators. Further information can be found on the ADA web site.  

About The Canary System:
The Canary System is a non‐ionizing diagnostic caries detection device capable of quantifying, monitoring, and recording changes in structure of enamel, dentin and cementum. With its unique crystal structure diagnostics, oral health professionals can detect, image and measure tooth decay on all tooth surfaces, around the margins of restorations, beneath opaque sealants, and detect cracks in teeth. The accompanying Canary Cloud enables dentists to view and manage this data and track Canary usage in the office; patients can also view their Canary reports and track their progress in managing caries. 

Visit www.thecanarysystem.com or email sales@thecanarysystem.com to request additional information.
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