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Published September 2026

1 of 5This is a talking visit. Nothing is done to your teeth today
  1. This is a talking visit. Nothing is done to your teeth today
  2. Past x-rays, photos and notes are pulled up and reviewed together
  3. The dentist lays out the options and answers your questions
  4. Some visits happen by video call instead of at the office
  5. A plan comes out of the visit, and treatment gets its own appointment

Who usually does it

general dentist. Any specialist can bill a consultation when you are referred to them.

One question worth asking

If I go ahead with treatment, does this visit count toward it?

Online review of photos and records

Check-ups and X-raysBasicD9996

D9996. The dentist reviews photos or records you sent and replies later.

Visits where you talk with a dentist or specialist about a problem or a plan but no treatment is done that day. This includes second opinions, treatment planning sessions, pre-treatment screening, visits to your home or care facility, and video or online check-ins (teledentistry), which are billed alongside whatever service the dentist actually provides.

This is a talking visit: the dentist or specialist reviews records, lays out options and answers questions, and no treatment is done that day. Second opinions, treatment planning sessions, home and care-facility visits, and video check-ins all sit here. When a procedure is done at the same visit, the office usually bills the procedure instead.

Codes for this

D9310BasicSpecialist consultationA visit with a specialist you were referred to, for opinion and planning only.per visit · Done oftenD9311Not usually coveredConsultation with a medical providerThe dentist confers with your doctor about your care.per visit · Rarely doneD9410Not usually coveredHome or care-facility visitThe dentist comes to your home or nursing facility.per visit · Rarely doneD9420Not usually coveredHospital or surgery center visitThe dentist treats you at a hospital or surgery center.per visit · Rarely doneD9430BasicOffice visit with no treatmentYou are seen but nothing is done, for example a quick look at a sore spot.per visit · Done sometimesD9450Not usually coveredTreatment planning sessionA longer sit-down to go over a complex treatment plan and costs.per visit · Done sometimesD9912Not usually coveredPre-treatment screeningA brief check before a specific treatment or referral, without a full exam.per visit · Rarely doneD9995BasicLive video visitA real-time video call with the dentist.per visit · Done sometimesD9996BasicOnline review of photos and recordsThe dentist reviews photos or records you sent and replies later.per visit · Done sometimesD9999Not usually coveredOther general procedureThe catch-all code for a general service with no code of its own; the office attaches a description.per visit · Rarely done
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Part of these flowsWisdom teethFront teeth makeoverTreatment under laughing gas, sedation or anesthesiaLip or tongue tie releaseSnoring or sleep apnea appliance

Related

Online review of photos and records (D9996): what happens, step by step | TruthMolar