Number: 014
(Updated)
Subject: Tooth positioners for orthodontic treatment
Date: May 23, 2016
Important note
This Clinical Policy Bulletin expresses Aetna's determination of whether certain services or supplies are medically necessary, experimental and investigational, or cosmetic. Aetna has reached these conclusions based upon a review of currently available clinical information (including clinical outcome studies in the peer-reviewed published medical literature, regulatory status of the technology, evidence-based guidelines of public health and health research agencies, evidence-based guidelines and positions of leading national health professional organizations, views of physicians practicing in relevant clinical areas, and other relevant factors).
Aetna makes no representations and accepts no liability with respect to the content of any external information cited or relied upon in this Bulletin. The discussion, analysis, conclusions and positions reflected in this Bulletin, including any reference to a specific provider, product, process or service by name, trademark, manufacturer, constitute Aetna's opinion and are made without any intent to defame.
Aetna expressly reserves the right to revise these conclusions as clinical information changes, and welcomes further relevant information including correction of any factual error. CPBs include references to standard HIPAA compliant code sets to assist with search functions and to facilitate billing and payment for covered services. New and revised codes are added to the CPBs as they are updated. When billing, you must use the most appropriate code as of the effective date of the submission. Unlisted, unspecified and nonspecific codes should be avoided.
Each benefit plan defines which services are covered, which are excluded, and which are subject to dollar caps or other limits. Members and their providers will need to consult the member's benefit plan to determine if there are any exclusions or other benefit limitations applicable to this service or supply.
The conclusion that a particular service or supply is medically necessary does not constitute a representation or warranty that this service or supply is covered (for example, will be paid for by Aetna) for a particular member. The member's benefit plan determines coverage. Some plans exclude coverage for services or supplies that Aetna considers medically necessary. If there is a discrepancy between this policy and a member's plan of benefits, the benefits plan will govern. In addition, coverage may be mandated by applicable legal requirements of a State, the Federal government or CMS for Medicare and Medicaid members.
Visit the CMS's Coverage Database
Policy
A system utilizing aligners may be considered by Aetna as comprehensive orthodontic treatment. The proposed tooth movement and stage of development governs the assignment of the appropriate code.
Services must be performed by a licensed dentist or orthodontist for Plan benefits to be considered.
Background
Orthodontic aligners are a treatment modality used for the correction of malpositioned teeth. The total treatment time may vary based on factors such as the difficulty of each individual case and/or system used.
Codes1
D8020 — Limited orthodontic treatment of the transitional dentition
D8030 — Limited orthodontic treatment of the adolescent dentition
D8040 — Limited orthodontic treatment of the adult dentition
D8060 — Interceptive orthodontic treatment of the transitional dentition
D8070 -- Comprehensive orthodontic treatment of the transitional dentition
D8080 -- Comprehensive orthodontic treatment of the adolescent dentition
D8090 -- Comprehensive orthodontic treatment of the adult dentition
Revision dates
Original: November 22, 2005
Updated: March 29, 2010; April 9, 2012; April 30, 2013; April 17, 2014; April 20, 2015; May 23, 2016
Revision: November 20, 2006; April 29, 2008; March 30, 2009; March 14, 2011
The above policy is based on the following references:
1American Dental Association. CDT 2016 Dental Procedure Codes: 81-82.*
2Invisalign website. Align Technology, Inc. San Jose, California. Accessed April 20, 2015.
3Joffe L. Invisalign: early experiences. J.Orthod. 2003 Dec; 30:348-52.
4Hajeer MY, Millett DT, Ayoub AF, Siebert JP. Applications of 3D imaging in orthodontics: part II. J. Orthod. 2004 Jun; 31:154-62.
*Copyright 2015 American Dental Association. All rights reserved.
Property of Aetna. All rights reserved. Dental Clinical Policy Bulletins are developed by Aetna to assist in administering plan benefits and constitute neither offers of coverage nor medical/dental advice. This Dental Clinical Policy Bulletin contains only a partial, general description of plan or program benefits and does not constitute a contract. Aetna does not provide health care services and, therefore, cannot guarantee any results or outcomes. Participating health care professionals are independent contractors in private practice and are neither employees nor agents of Aetna or its affiliates. Treating health care professionals are solely responsible for medical/dental advice and treatment of members. This Clinical Policy Bulletin may be updated and therefore is subject to change.
