D2752Crown - Porcelain Fused to Noble Metal

What This Code Covers

D2752 covers a porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crown where the metal substructure is made from a noble metal alloy. Noble metal alloys contain 25% to 60% noble metals (gold, platinum, palladium, silver). This places D2752 between D2750 (high noble, over 60%) and D2751 (base metal, under 25%) in terms of metal composition and cost.

Billing Guide

Bill this code when:

• A PFM crown is fabricated using a noble metal alloy substructure
• The alloy contains 25% to 60% noble metals
• The crown is cemented as a single-tooth restoration

Do not bill this code when:

• The alloy is high noble (over 60% noble metals). Use D2750
• The alloy is base metal (under 25% noble metals). Use D2751
• The crown is all-ceramic. Use D2740
• The crown is a bridge retainer. Use D6752

Insurance and Denial Prevention

Key Payer Rules:

• Many plans pay the same benefit for D2750, D2751, and D2752
• Some plans apply a least expensive alternative and pay all PFM crowns at the D2751 rate
• Crown replacement frequency limits (5-10 years) apply
• The patient pays any cost difference if the plan downgrades to a less expensive alloy

Common Denials and How to Respond:

• Downgraded to base metal rate → This is an alternate benefit provision, not a denial. Inform the patient of the difference.
• Crown not necessary → Submit radiographs and clinical documentation showing the tooth requires a crown.
• Frequency limit → Verify the date of the last crown on the same tooth.