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Number: 020
Update
Subject: Dental services and oral and maxillofacial surgery: coverage under medical plans
Reviewed: July 12, 2024
Important note
This Clinical Policy Bulletin determines whether certain services or supplies are medically necessary, experimental, 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 coverage database
See Medical Clinical Policy Bulletin 0082
Medical Clinical Policy Bulletin Number 0082.
April 18, 2024 - This CPB has been revised to delete the following statement from II.H.2. under "Policy Limitations and Exclusions" -- "These plans do cover the replacement of teeth whether accomplished by fixed or removable prostheses or by surgical placement of a dental implant body. In situations where replacement of the tooth/teeth is accomplished by dental implants, the dental crown is also a covered medical expense".
Dental Clinical Policy Bulletin 039 - Medically Necessary Orthodontia related to the Pediatric Dental Essential Benefit in the Affordable Care Act (ACA)
Resources
American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) (PDF). Bone grafting after removal of impacted third molars. Statement of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons concerning the management of selected clinical conditions and associated clinical procedures. AAOMS Condition Statements. Rosemont, IL: AAOMS; March 2017.
American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) (PDF). White paper on management of third molar teeth. Rosemont, IL: AAOMS; March 2016.
American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) (PDF). White paper on third molar data. Rosemont, IL: AAOMS; March 2016.
Revision dates
Original policy: November 4, 2004
Updated: September 25, 2006; November 16, 2009; January 20, 2011; June 5, 2012; September 23, 2013; September 28, 2015; October 20, 2016; November 13, 2017; January 30, 2020; April 15, 2022; May 3, 2023; July 12, 2024
Revised: August 26, 2008; April 9, 2021
Copyright Aetna Inc. All rights reserved. Clinical Policy Bulletins are developed by Aetna to assist in administering plan benefits and constitute neither offers of coverage nor medical advice. This 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 providers are independent contractors in private practice and are neither employees nor agents of Aetna or its affiliates. Treating providers are solely responsible for medical advice and treatment of members. This Clinical Policy Bulletin may be updated and therefore is subject to change.
Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) copyright
American Medical Association. All Rights Reserved.
Legal notices
Aetna is the brand name used for products and services provided by one or more of the Aetna group of companies, including Aetna Life Insurance Company and its affiliates (Aetna).
Health benefits and health insurance plans contain exclusions and limitations.