D2954Prefabricated Post and Core in Addition to Crown

What This Code Covers

D2954 covers a prefabricated (pre-made, stock) post cemented into the root canal space of an endodontically treated tooth, plus the core buildup material placed around the post. The post provides retention in the root, and the core provides structure above the gum line to support a crown. This is commonly needed for root canal-treated teeth that have lost significant coronal structure.

Billing Guide

Bill this code when:

• A prefabricated post is cemented into a root canal-treated tooth
• A core buildup is placed around the post to support a crown
• The tooth has insufficient remaining structure to support a crown without a post
• A pre-made (stock) post is used, not a custom cast post

Do not bill this code when:

• No post is needed. Use D2950 for a core buildup without a post
• A custom cast post and core is fabricated. Use D2952
• The tooth has not had root canal therapy (posts require a root canal space)
• D2950 is also billed on the same tooth (D2954 includes the core buildup)

Insurance and Denial Prevention

Key Payer Rules:

• D2954 is typically covered when associated with a crown on a root canal-treated tooth
• The root canal must be completed before or on the same date as the post placement
• Some payers bundle D2954 with the crown code
• D2954 and D2950 should not be billed together on the same tooth

Common Denials and How to Respond:

• No root canal on file → Submit the endodontic treatment claim (D3310-D3330) or documentation that it was completed by another provider.
• Bundled with crown → Appeal with documentation showing the post and core is a separate procedure from the crown.
• D2950 already billed → D2954 includes the core buildup. Do not bill both D2950 and D2954 on the same tooth. Withdraw the duplicate.