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Medicaid Alert - MA-2003-05
Act
by Jul 1, 2003
Effective date
Jul 1, 2003
Identified
Jun 20, 2026
Summary
New Jersey Medicaid adopted CDT4 dental procedure codes effective July 1, 2003, replacing previous CDT3 and legacy codes. Dental providers must now report CDT4 codes for all services provided on or after this date, with the Unisys claims processing system automatically matching new codes to previously authorized procedures. The alert provides FAQs on code usage, common billing errors, and contact procedures for prior authorization corrections and claim denials.
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What to do
by Jul 1, 2003 · 8 steps
01Billing team must immediately transition all dental claim submissions to CDT4 procedure codes for services provided on or after this date.
02Update billing software and encounter forms to use only CDT4 codes listed in this alert for diagnostic services (D0150, D0140, D0160), composite restorations (D2390-D2394), amalgams (D2140-D2161), extractions (D7111, D7140, D7472, D7473), orthodontics (D8080 with modifiers), and anesthesia (D9220-22).
03For services with existing prior authorizations using old codes issued before July 1, 2003, providers must contact the Medicaid Dental Bureau (1-800-782-0181) with the prior authorization number and service date to request code conversion.
04Do NOT bill claims with pre-July 1 codes after the effective date—Unisys will deny them with Error Code 742.
05Verify all prior authorization notifications (Form FD-362) for accuracy before providing treatment.
06Train all billing staff on the 'NO CROSSWALK' concept: codes without a CDT4 equivalent cannot be billed and may no longer be covered (example: D4220 gingival curettage is no longer a Medicaid benefit).
07Claims denied for previously extracted teeth require film documentation submitted to the Dental Bureau (P.O.
08Box 713, Trenton, NJ 08625).
If missed: Failure to use correct CDT4 codes will result in automatic claim denials by Unisys.
Codes mentioned
D0150D015076D0150EPD0140D0160D2390D2391D2392D2393D2394D2140D2150D2160D2161D435576D7111D7140D7472D7473D8080D808022D808052D922022D151052D589922
Original notice
Medicaid Alert - MA-2003-05
njmmis.com · Always check the source before changing claims.
Related changes
See all New Jersey Medicaid changes →Newsletter Vol. 13, No. 47HighEffective Jul 1, 2003 · CodingNewsletter Vol. 13, No. 44HighEffective Jun 1, 2003 · CodingNewsletter Vol. 18, No. 08HighEffective Jan 1, 2007 · Provider NoticeNewsletter Vol. 20, No. 01MediumEffective Jan 1, 2010 · Provider NoticeBrowse every New Jersey Medicaid change in the policy list
Related policy hubs
New Jersey Medicaid policiesNJ policy changesDentistryOral & Maxillofacial SurgeryCode D0150Code D015076Code D0150EPCode D0140Code D0160Code D2390Code D2391Code D2392Code D2393Code D2394Code D2140Code D2150Code D2160Code D2161Code D435576Code D7111Code D7140Code D7472Code D7473Code D8080Code D808022Code D808052Code D922022Code D151052Code D589922