D0240Intraoral - Occlusal Radiographic Image

What This Code Covers

D0240 covers a single intraoral occlusal radiographic image. The occlusal film is a larger film placed on the biting surface of the teeth to capture a broad top-down view of an entire arch. This view is useful for locating supernumerary teeth, unerupted teeth, jaw fractures, cleft palate assessment, or pathology in the floor of the mouth or palate. It is billed per image.

Billing Guide

Bill this code when:

• An occlusal radiograph is taken to evaluate pathology, fractures, or unerupted teeth
• The image is needed to locate foreign bodies or supernumerary teeth
• The occlusal view is required for pediatric patients to assess developing dentition
• The image supplements periapical or panoramic views for additional diagnostic information

Do not bill this code when:

• Standard periapical images (D0220/D0230) provide sufficient information
• The image is part of a complete series (D0210) that the payer considers inclusive of all intraoral views
• A panoramic image (D0330) already provides the needed information
• The image was retaken due to a technical error

Insurance and Denial Prevention

Key Payer Rules:

• Most plans cover D0240 when clinically justified, but it is not commonly billed so payers may request documentation
• Some payers may consider D0240 included in a complete series (D0210) if billed on the same date
• Frequency limits vary, but most plans do not have a specific limit for occlusal images since they are rarely ordered
• Medicaid programs generally cover D0240 for pediatric patients with documented clinical need

Common Denials and How to Respond:

• Not medically necessary → Submit documentation explaining why the occlusal view was needed and what clinical question it answered (fracture, unerupted tooth location, pathology).
• Bundled with complete series → If billed with D0210, the payer may deny D0240 as included. If the occlusal was taken for a separate clinical reason, appeal with documentation.
• Duplicate image → Ensure you are not billing for an image retake. Only one D0240 per arch per visit is appropriate.