Iowa Admin. Code r. 441-78.4 - Dentists

Payment will be made for medical and surgical services furnished by a dentist to the extent these services may be performed under state law either by doctors of medicine, osteopathy, dental surgery or dental medicine and would be covered if furnished by doctors of medicine or osteopathy. Services must be reasonable, necessary, and cost-effective for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of dental disease or injuries or for oral devices necessary for a medical condition. Payment will also be made for the following dental procedures:

(1) Preventive services. Payment shall be made for the following preventive services:

a. Oral prophylaxis, including necessary scaling and polishing, is payable only once in a six-month period except for persons who, because of a physical or mental condition, need more frequent care. Documentation supporting the need for oral prophylaxis performed more than once in a six-month period must be maintained.

b. Topical application of fluoride is payable once every 90 days. (This does not include the use of fluoride prophylaxis paste as fluoride treatment.)

c. Pit and fissure sealants are payable for placement on deciduous and permanent posterior teeth only. Reimbursement for sealants is restricted to work performed on members through 18 years of age and on members who have a physical or mental condition that impairs their ability to maintain adequate oral hygiene. Replacement sealants are covered when medically necessary, as documented in the patient record.

d. Space management services are payable in mixed dentition when premature loss of teeth would permit existing teeth to shift and cause a handicapping malocclusion or there is too little dental ridge to accommodate either the number or the size of teeth and significant dental disease will result if the condition is not corrected.

(2) Diagnostic services. Payment shall be made for the following diagnostic services:

a. A comprehensive oral evaluation is payable once per member per dental practice in a three-year period when the member has not been seen by a dentist in the dental practice during the three-year period.

b. A periodic oral examination is payable once in a six-month period.

c. A full mouth radiograph survey, consisting of a minimum of 14 periapical films and bite-wing films, or a panoramic radiograph with bite-wings is a payable service once in a five-year period, except when medically necessary to evaluate development and to detect anomalies, injuries and diseases. Full mouth radiograph surveys are not payable under the age of six except when medically necessary. A panographic-type radiography with bite-wings is considered the same as a full mouth radiograph survey.

d. Supplemental bitewing films are payable only once in a 12-month period.

e. Single periapical films are payable when necessary.

f. Intraoral radiograph, occlusal.

g. Extraoral radiograph.

h. Posterior-anterior and lateral skull and facial bone radiograph, survey film.

i. Temporomandibular joint radiograph.

j. Cephalometric film.

k. Diagnostic casts are payable only for orthodontic cases or dental implants or when requested by the Iowa Medicaid enterprise medical services unit's dental consultant.

l. Cone beam images are payable when medically necessary for situations including, but not limited to, detection of tumors, positioning of severely impacted teeth, supernumerary teeth or dental implants.

(3) Restorative services. Payment shall be made for the following restorative services:

a. Treatment of dental caries is payable in those areas which require immediate attention. Restoration of incipient or nonactive carious lesions are not payable. Carious activity may be considered incipient when there is no penetration of the dento-enamel junction as demonstrated in diagnostic radiographs.

b. Amalgam alloy and composite resin-type filling materials are reimbursable only once for the same restoration in a two-year period.

c. Reserved.

d. Crowns are payable when there is at least a fair prognosis for maintaining the tooth as determined by the Iowa Medicaid enterprise medical services unit and a more conservative procedure would not be serviceable.

(1) Stainless steel crowns are limited to primary and permanent posterior teeth and are covered when coronal loss of tooth structure does not allow restoration with an amalgam or composite restoration. Placement on permanent posterior teeth is allowed only for members who have a mental or physical condition that limits their ability to tolerate the procedure for placement of a different crown.

(2) Aesthetic coated stainless steel crowns and stainless steel crowns with a resin window are limited to primary anterior teeth.

(3) Laboratory-fabricated crowns, other than stainless steel, are limited to permanent teeth and require prior authorization. Approval shall be granted when coronal loss of tooth structure does not allow restoration with an amalgam or composite restoration or there is evidence of recurring decay surrounding a large existing restoration, a fracture, a broken cusp(s), or an endodontic treatment.

(4) Crowns with noble or high noble metals require prior authorization. Approval shall be granted for members who meet the criteria for a laboratory-fabricated crown, other than stainless steel, and who have a documented allergy to all other restorative materials.

e. Cast post and core, post and composite or post and amalgam in addition to a crown are payable when a tooth is functional and the integrity of the tooth would be jeopardized by no post support.

f. Payment as indicated will be made for the following restoration procedures:

(1) Amalgam or acrylic buildups, including any pins, are considered a core buildup.

(2) One, two, or more restorations on one surface of a tooth shall be paid as a one-surface restoration, i.e., mesial occlusal pit and distal occlusal pit of a maxillary molar or mesial and distal occlusal pits of a lower bicuspid.

(3) Occlusal lingual groove of a maxillary molar that extends from the distal occlusal pit and down the distolingual groove will be paid as a two-surface restoration. This restoration and a mesial occlusal pit restoration on the same tooth will be paid as one, two-surface restoration.

(4) Reserved.

(5) Two separate one-surface restorations are payable as a two-surface restoration (i.e., an occlusal pit restoration and a buccal pit restoration are a two-surface restoration).

(6) Tooth preparation, temporary restorations, cement bases, pulp capping, impressions, and local anesthesia are included in the restorative fee and may not be billed separately.

(7) Pin retention will be paid on a per-tooth basis and in addition to the final restoration.

(8) More than four surfaces on an amalgam restoration will be reimbursed as a "four-surface" amalgam.

(9) An amalgam or composite restoration is not payable following a sedative filling in the same tooth unless the sedative filling was placed more than 30 days previously.

(4) Periodontal services. Payment may be made for the following periodontal services:

a. Full-mouth debridement to enable comprehensive periodontal evaluation and diagnosis is payable once every 24 months. This procedure is not payable on the same date of service when other prophylaxis or periodontal services are performed.

b. Periodontal scaling and root planing is payable once every 24 months when prior approval has been received. Prior approval shall be granted per quadrant when radiographs demonstrate subgingival calculus or loss of crestal bone and when the periodontal probe chart shows evidence of pocket depths of 4 mm or greater. (Cross reference 78.28(3)"a"(1))

c. Periodontal surgical procedures which include gingivoplasty, osseous surgery, and osseous allograft are payable services when prior approval has been received. Payment for these surgical procedures will be approved after periodontal scaling and root planing has been provided, a reevaluation examination has been completed, and the member has demonstrated reasonable oral hygiene. Payment is also allowed for members who are unable to demonstrate reasonable oral hygiene due to a physical or mental condition, or who exhibit evidence of gingival hyperplasia, or who have a deep carious lesion that cannot be otherwise accessed for restoration.

d. Tissue grafts. Pedicle soft tissue graft, free soft tissue graft, and subepithelial connective tissue graft are payable services with prior approval. Authorization shall be granted when the amount of tissue loss is causing problems such as continued bone loss, chronic root sensitivity, complete loss of attached tissue, or difficulty maintaining adequate oral hygiene. (Cross reference 78.28(3)"a" (2))

e. Periodontal maintenance therapy requires prior authorization. Approval shall be granted for members who have completed periodontal scaling and root planing at least three months prior to the initial periodontal maintenance therapy and the periodontal probe chart shows evidence of pocket depths of 4 mm or greater. (Cross reference 78.28(3)"a" (3))

f. Tissue regeneration procedures require prior authorization. Approval shall be granted when radiographs show evidence of recession in relation to the muco-gingival junction and the bone level indicates the tooth has a fair to good long-term prognosis.

g. Localized delivery of antimicrobial agents requires prior authorization. Approval shall be granted when at least one year has elapsed since periodontal scaling and root planing was completed, the member has maintained regular periodontal maintenance, and pocket depths remain at a moderate to severe depth with bleeding on probing. Authorization is limited to once per site every 12 months.

(5) Endodontic services. Payment shall be made for the following endodontic services:

a. Root canal treatments on permanent anterior and posterior teeth when there is presence of extensive decay, infection, draining fistulas, severe pain upon chewing or applied pressure, prolonged sensitivity to temperatures, or a discolored tooth indicative of a nonvital tooth.

b. Vital pulpotomies. Cement bases, pulp capping, and insulating liners are considered part of the restoration and may not be billed separately.

c. Surgical endodontic treatment, including an apicoectomy, performed as a separate surgical procedure; an apicoectomy, performed in conjunction with endodontic procedure; an apical curettage; a root resection; or excision of hyperplastic tissue is payable when nonsurgical treatment has been attempted and a reasonable time of approximately one year has elapsed after which failure has been demonstrated. Surgical endodontic procedures may be indicated when:

(1) Conventional root canal treatment cannot be successfully completed because canals cannot be negotiated, debrided or obturated due to calcifications, blockages, broken instruments, severe curvatures, and dilacerated roots.

(2) Correction of problems resulting from conventional treatment including gross underfilling, perforations, and canal blockages with restorative materials. (Cross reference 78.28(3)"c")

d. Endodontic retreatment when prior authorization has been received. Authorization for retreatment of a tooth with previous endodontic treatment shall be granted when the conventional treatment has been completed, a reasonable time has elapsed since the initial treatment, and failure has been demonstrated with a radiograph and narrative history. A reasonable period of time is approximately one year if the treating dentist is the same and may be less if the member must see a different dentist.

(6) Oral surgery-medically necessary. Payment shall be made for medically necessary oral surgery services furnished by dentists to the extent that these services may be performed under state law either by doctors of medicine, osteopathy, dental surgery or dental medicine and would be covered if furnished by doctors of medicine or osteopathy, as defined in rule 441-78.1 (249A). These services will be reimbursed in a manner consistent with the physician's reimbursement policy. The following surgical procedures are also payable when performed by a dentist:

a. Extractions, both surgical and nonsurgical.

b. Impaction (soft tissue impaction, upper or lower) that requires an incision of overlying soft tissue and the removal of the tooth.

c. Impaction (partial bony impaction, upper or lower) that requires incision of overlying soft tissue, elevation of a flap, removal of bone and removal of the tooth.

d. Impaction (complete bony impaction, upper or lower) that requires incision of overlying soft tissue, elevation of a flap, removal of bone and section of the tooth for removal.

e. Root recovery (surgical removal of residual root).

f. Oral antral fistula closure (or antral root recovery).

g. Surgical exposure of impacted or unerupted tooth for orthodontic reasons, including ligation when indicated.

h. Surgical exposure of impacted or unerupted tooth to aid eruption.

i. Routine postoperative care is considered part of the fee for surgical procedures and may not be billed separately.

j. Payment may be made for postoperative care where need is shown to be beyond normal follow-up care or for postoperative care where the original service was performed by another dentist.

(7) Prosthetic services. Payment may be made for the following prosthetic services:

a. An immediate denture or a first-time complete denture. Six months' postdelivery care is included in the reimbursement for the denture.

b. A removable partial denture replacing anterior teeth when prior approval has been received. Approval shall be granted when radiographs demonstrate adequate space for replacement of a missing anterior tooth. Six months' postdelivery care is included in the reimbursement for the denture.

c. A removable partial denture replacing posterior teeth including six months' postdelivery care when prior approval has been received. Approval shall be granted when the member has fewer than eight posterior teeth in occlusion, excluding third molars, or the member has a full denture in one arch and a partial denture replacing posterior teeth is required in the opposing arch to balance occlusion. When one removable partial denture brings eight posterior teeth in occlusion, no additional removable partial denture will be approved. Six months' postdelivery care is included in the reimbursement for the denture. (Cross reference 78.28(3)"b"(1))

d. A fixed partial denture (including an acid etch fixed partial denture) replacing anterior teeth when prior approval has been received. Approval shall be granted for members who:

(1) Have a physical or mental condition that precludes the use of a removable partial denture, or

(2) Have an existing bridge that needs replacement due to breakage or extensive, recurrent decay.

High noble or noble metals shall be approved only when the member is allergic to all other restorative materials. (Cross reference 78.28(3)"b"(2))

e. A fixed partial denture replacing posterior teeth when prior approval has been received. Approval shall be granted for members who meet the criteria for a removable partial denture and:

(1) Have a physical or mental condition that precludes the use of a removable partial denture, or

(2) Have a full denture in one arch and a partial fixed denture replacing posterior teeth is required in the opposing arch to balance occlusion.

High noble or noble metals will be approved only when the member is allergic to all other restorative materials.

f. Obturator for surgically excised palatal tissue or deficient velopharyngeal function of cleft palate patients.

g. Chairside relines and laboratory-processed relines are payable only once per prosthesis every 12 months, beginning 6 months after placement of the denture.

h. Tissue conditioning is a payable service twice per prosthesis in a 12-month period.

i. Two repairs per prosthesis in a 12-month period are payable.

j. Adjustments to a complete or removable partial denture are payable when medically necessary after six months' postdelivery care. An adjustment consists of removal of acrylic material or adjustment of teeth to eliminate a sore area or to make the denture fit better. Warming dentures and massaging them for better fit or placing them in a sonic device does not constitute an adjustment.

k. Dental implants and related services when prior authorization has been received. Prior authorization shall be granted when the member is missing significant oral structures due to cancer, traumatic injuries, or developmental defects such as cleft palate and cannot use a conventional denture.

l. Replacement of complete or partial dentures in less than a five-year period requires prior authorization. Approval shall be granted once per denture replacement per arch in a five-year period when the denture has been lost, stolen or broken beyond repair or cannot be adjusted for an adequate fit. Approval shall also be granted for more than one denture replacement per arch within five years for members who have a medical condition that necessitates thorough mastication. Approval will not be granted in less than a five-year period when the reason for replacement is resorption.

m. A complete or partial denture rebase requires prior approval. Approval shall be granted when the acrylic of the denture is cracked or has had numerous repairs and the teeth are in good condition.

n. An oral appliance for obstructive sleep apnea requires prior approval and must be custom-fabricated. Approval shall be granted in accordance with Medicare criteria.

(8) Orthodontic procedures. Payment may be made for the following orthodontic procedures:

a. Minor treatment to control harmful habits when prior approval has been received. Approval shall be granted when it is cost-effective to lessen the severity of a malformation such that extensive treatment is not required. (Cross reference 78.28(3)"c")

b. Interceptive orthodontic treatment of the transitional dentition when prior approval has been received. Approval shall be granted when it is cost-effective to lessen the severity of a malformation such that extensive treatment is not required.

c. Comprehensive orthodontic treatment when prior approval has been received. Approval is limited to members under 21 years of age and shall be granted when the member has a severe handicapping malocclusion with a score of 26 or above using the index from the "Handicapping Malocclusion Assessment to Establish Treatment Priority," by J.A. Salzmann, D.D.S., American Journal of Orthodontics, October 1968.

(9) Adjunctive general services. Payment may be made for the following:

a. Treatment in a hospital. Payment will be approved for dental treatment rendered to a hospitalized member only when the mental, physical, or emotional condition of the member prevents the dentist from providing necessary care in the office.

b. Treatment in a nursing facility. Payment will be approved for dental treatment provided in a nursing facility. When more than one patient is examined during the same nursing home visit, payment will be made by the Medicaid program for only one visit to the nursing home.

c. Office visit. Payment will be approved for an office visit for care of injuries or abnormal conditions of the teeth or supporting structure when treatment procedures or examinations are not billed for that visit.

d. Office calls after hours. Payment will be approved for office calls after office hours in emergency situations. The office call will be paid in addition to treatment procedures.

e. Drugs. Payment will be made for drugs dispensed by a dentist only if there is no licensed retail pharmacy in the community where the dentist's office is located. If eligible to dispense drugs, the dentist should request a copy of the Prescribed Drugs Manual from the Iowa Medicaid enterprise provider services unit. Payment will not be made for the writing of prescriptions.

f. Anesthesia. General anesthesia, intravenous sedation, and nonintravenous conscious sedation are payable services when the extensiveness of the procedure indicates it or there is a concomitant disease or impairment which warrants use of anesthesia. Inhalation of nitrous oxide is payable when the age or physical or mental condition of the member necessitates the use of minimal sedation for dental procedures.

g. Occlusal guard. A removable dental appliance to minimize the effects of bruxism and other occlusal factors requires prior approval. Approval shall be granted when the documentation supports evidence of significant loss of tooth enamel, tooth chipping, headaches or jaw pain.

(10) Orthodontic services to members 21 years of age or older. Orthodontic procedures are not covered for members 21 years of age or older.

(11) Emergency services. Payment shall be made for emergency services, as defined in and pursuant to the requirements set forth in 42 CFR 438.114, as amended to April 7, 2022.

(12) Annual benefit maximum.

a. Members 21 years of age or older have an annual benefit maximum of $1,000 per state fiscal year for coverage of dental services set forth in this rule. Payment for services exceeding the $1,000 annual benefit maximum is the responsibility of the member.

b. The following services do not count toward the annual benefit maximum:

(1) Preventive services as set forth in subrule 78.4(1);

(2) Diagnostic services as set forth in subrule 78.4(2);

(3) Fabrication of removable dentures and related services as set forth in paragraphs 78.4(7)"a" to "c" and 78.4(7)"f" to "l";

(4) Anesthesia as set forth in paragraph 78.4(9)"f," when provided in conjunction with oral surgery codes approved for payment; or

(5) Emergency services as set forth in subrule 78.4(11).

This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code section 249A.4.

Notes

Iowa Admin. Code r. 441-78.4

ARC 9702B, IAB 9/7/11, effective 9/1/11; ARC 9883B, IAB 11/30/11, effective 1/4/12; ARC 0631C, IAB 3/6/2013, effective 5/1/2013 Amended by IAB February 12, 2020/Volume XLII, Number 17, effective 3/18/2020 Amended by IAB June 29, 2022/Volume XLIV, Number 26, effective 9/1/2022