Dental Services Documentation Requirements

It is expected that patient's medical records reflect the need for care/services provided. The listing of records is not all inclusive. Providers must ensure all necessary records are submitted to support services rendered. They may include:

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Brief Description
Legible handwritten physician and/or clinician signatures
Valid electronic physician and/or clinician signatures
Physician or Non-Physician Practitioner (NPP) order for date of service, if applicable
Records of patient's condition before, during and after this billing period to support medical necessity and reason service was provided
  • Physician and NPP clinic/progress notes
  • Emergency room records
  • Medication administration records
  • Nurses notes
Legible procedure note or report that includes sufficient detail to allow reconstruction of the dental procedure
  • Recovery room records
  • Anesthesia records
Documentation to support indications and/or criteria as specified in Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs), National Coverage Determinations (NCDs) or coverage article for service(s) billed, if applicable
Office visit and/or evaluation and management (E&M) documentation, if billed on same date(s) of service under medical review
Full detailed itemization of services including revenue codes
Advance Beneficiary Notice of Noncoverage (ABN), if applicable

Multiple CMS contractors are charged with completing reviews of medical records. See Identifying Which Entity Completed a Part A Claim Review for detailed information about each of these contractors.

Documentation Submission

Once a provider compiles all the necessary documentation, it is important to submit them to the appropriate contractor according to the request received. Select the request below to view the appropriate submission instructions.

View the Non-Covered Services LCD webpage for additional information and resources.

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Documentation Requirements Disclaimer

The documentation requirements contents/references provided within this section were prepared as educational tools and are not intended to grant rights or impose obligations. Use of these documents are not intended to take the place of either written law or regulations.

The listing of records is not all inclusive. Providers must ensure all necessary records are submitted to support services rendered.

Important that physician intent, physician decision and physician recommendation to provide services derived clearly from the medical record and properly authenticated.

The submission of these records shall not guarantee payment as all applicable coverage requirements must be met.