OHCA Policies and Rules

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317:30-5-696. Coverage by category

[Revised 09-12-22]

Payment is made for dental services as set forth in this Section.

(1) Adults. The OHCA Dental Program provides basic medically necessary treatment. The services listed below are compensable for members twenty-one (21) years of age and over without prior authorization.

(A) Comprehensive oral evaluation.  The comprehensive oral evaluation may be performed when a member has not been seen by the same dentist for more than thirty-six (36) months. The comprehensive oral evaluation must precede any images, and chart documentation must include image interpretations, six-point periodontal charting, and both medical and dental health history of the member. The comprehensive treatment plan should be the final result of this procedure.

(B) Periodic oral evaluation.  This procedure may be provided for a member once every six (6) months. An examination must precede any images, and chart documentation must include image interpretations, and both medical and dental health history of member. The comprehensive treatment plan should be the final result of this procedure.

(C) Limited oral evaluation.  This procedure is only compensable to the same dentist or practice for two (2) visits prior to a comprehensive or periodic evaluation examination being completed.

(D) Images. To be SoonerCare compensable, images must be of diagnostic quality and medically necessary. A clinical examination must precede any images. Documentation must indicate medical necessity and diagnostic findings. Images must be properly labeled with date and member name. Periapical images must include at least three (3) millimeters beyond the apex of the tooth being imaged. Panoramic films are only compensable when chart documentation clearly indicates reasons for the exposure based on clinical findings. This type of panoramic film exposure is not to rule out or evaluate caries. Prior authorization and a narrative detailing medical necessity are required for additional panoramic films taken within three (3) years of the original set.

(E) Dental prophylaxis. Dental prophylaxis is provided once every six (6) months along with topical application of fluoride.

(F) Periodontal Maintenance. This procedure is provided once every six (6) months for members who have a history of periodontitis and are no longer eligible for oral prophylaxis.

(G) Smoking and tobacco use cessation counseling. Smoking and tobacco use cessation counseling is covered per Oklahoma Administrative Code (OAC) 317:30-5-2 (DD) (i) through (iv).

(H) Medically necessary extractions. Medically necessary extractions, as defined in OAC 317:30-5-695. Tooth extraction must have medical need documented.

(I) Medical and surgical services. Medical and surgical services performed by a dentist or physician to the extent such services may be performed under State law when those services would be covered if performed by a physician.

(J) Additional services. Additional covered services, which require a prior authorization, are outlined in OAC 317:30-5-698.

(2) Children.  The OHCA Dental Program for children provides medically necessary treatment. For services rendered to a minor, the minor's parent or legal guardian must provide a signed, written consent prior to the service being rendered, unless there is an explicit state or federal exception to this requirement. The services listed below are compensable for members under twenty-one (21) years of age without prior authorization. All other dental services must be prior authorized. Anesthesia services are covered for children in the same manner as adults per OAC 317:30-5-696.1. All providers performing preventive services must be available to perform needed restorative services for those members receiving any evaluation and preventive services.

(A) Comprehensive oral evaluation.  A comprehensive oral evaluation may be performed when a member has not been seen by the same dentist for more than thirty-six (36) months. The comprehensive oral evaluation must precede any images, and chart documentation must include image interpretations, caries risk assessment, six-point periodontal charting, and both medical and dental health history of member. The comprehensive treatment plan should be the final result of this procedure.

(B) Periodic oral evaluation.  This procedure may be provided for a member once every six (6) months. An examination must precede any images, and chart documentation must include image interpretations, and both medical and dental health history of member. The comprehensive treatment plan should be the final result of this procedure.

(C) Limited oral evaluation.  This procedure is only compensable to the same dentist or practice for two (2) visits prior to a comprehensive or periodic evaluation examination being completed.

(D) Images.  To be SoonerCare compensable, images must be of diagnostic quality and medically necessary. A clinical examination must precede any images, and chart documentation must indicate medical necessity and diagnostic findings. Images must be properly labeled with date and member name. Periapical images must include at least three (3) millimeters beyond the apex of the tooth being imaged. Panoramic films and two (2) bitewings are considered full mouth images. Full mouth images as noted above or traditional [minimum of twelve (12) periapical films and two (2) posterior bitewings] are allowable once in a three (3) year period and must be of diagnostic quality. Individually listed intraoral images by the same dentist/dental office are considered a complete series if the number of individual images equals or exceeds the traditional number for a complete series. Panoramic films are only compensable when chart documentation clearly indicates reasons for the exposure based on clinical findings. This type of exposure is not to rule out or evaluate caries. Prior authorization and a detailed medical need narrative are required for additional panoramic films taken within three (3) years of the original set.

(E) Dental sealants.  Tooth numbers 2, 3, 14, 15, 18, 19, 30 and 31 must be caries free on the interproximal and occlusal surfaces to be eligible for this service. This service is available through eighteen (18) years of age and is compensable once every thirty-six (36) months if medical necessity is documented.

(F) Interim caries arresting medicament application. This service is available for primary and permanent teeth once every six (6) months for two (2) occurrences per tooth in a lifetime. The following criteria must be met for reimbursement:

(i) A member is documented to be unable to receive restorative services in the typical office environment within a reasonable amount of time;

(ii) A tooth that has been treated should not have any non-carious structure removed;

(iii) A tooth that has been treated should not receive any other definitive restorative care for three (3) months following an application;

(iv) Reimbursement for extraction of a tooth that has been treated will not be allowed for three (3) months following an application; and

(v) The specific teeth treated and number and location of lesions must be documented.

(G) Dental prophylaxis.  This procedure is provided once every six (6) months along with topical application of fluoride.

(H) Periodontal Maintenance. This procedure is provided once every six (6) months for members who have a history of periodontitis and are no longer eligible for oral prophylaxis.

(I) Stainless steel crowns for primary teeth.  The use of any stainless steel crowns is allowed as follows:

(i) Stainless steel crowns are allowed if:

(I) The child is five (5) years of age or under;

(II) Seventy percent (70%) or more of the root structure remains; or

(III) The procedure is provided more than twelve (12) months prior to normal exfoliation.

(ii) Stainless steel crowns are treatment of choice for:

(I) Primary teeth treated with pulpal therapy, if the above conditions exist;

(II) Primary teeth where three (3) surfaces of extensive decay exist; or

(III) Primary teeth where cuspal occlusion is lost due to decay or accident.

(iii) Preoperative periapical images and/or written documentation explaining the extent of decay must be available for review, if requested.

(iv) Placement of a stainless steel crown is allowed once for a minimum period of twenty-four (24) months. No other restoration on that tooth is compensable during that period of time. A stainless steel crown is not a temporizing treatment to be used while a permanent crown is being fabricated.

(J) Stainless steel crowns for permanent teeth.  The use of any stainless steel crowns is allowed as follows:

(i) Stainless steel crowns are the treatment of choice for:

(I) Posterior permanent teeth that have completed endodontic therapy if three (3) or more surfaces of tooth is destroyed;

(II) Posterior permanent teeth that have three (3) or more surfaces of extensive decay; or

(III) Where cuspal occlusion is lost due to decay prior to age sixteen (16) years.

(ii) Preoperative periapical images and/or written documentation explaining the extent of decay must be available for review, if requested.

(iii) Placement of a stainless steel crown excludes placement of any other type of crown for a period of twenty-four (24) months. No other restoration on that tooth is compensable during that period of time.

(K) Pulpotomies and pulpectomies.

(i) Therapeutic pulpotomies and pulpal debridement are allowable once per lifetime. Pre-and post-operative periapical images must be available for review, if requested. Therapeutic pulpotomies and pulpal debridement is available for the following:

(I) Primary molars having at least seventy percent (70%) or more of their root structure remaining or more than twelve (12) months prior to normal exfoliation;

(II) Tooth numbers O and P before age five (5) years;

(III) Tooth numbers E and F before six (6) years;

(IV) Tooth numbers N and Q before five (5) years;

(V) Tooth numbers D and G before five (5) years.

(ii) Therapeutic pulpotomies and pulpal debridement are allowed for primary teeth if exfoliation of the teeth is not expected to occur for at least one (1) year or if seventy percent (70%) or more of root structure is remaining.

(L) Space maintainers.  Certain limitations apply with regard to this procedure. Providers are responsible for recementation of any maintainer placed by them for six (6) months post insertion.

(i) Band and loop type space maintenance.  This procedure must be provided in accordance with the following guidelines:

(I) This procedure is compensable for all primary molars where permanent successor is missing or where succedaneous tooth is more than five (5) millimeters below the crest of the alveolar ridge.

(II) First primary molars are not allowed space maintenance if the second primary and first permanent molars are present and in cuspal interlocking occlusion regardless of the presence or absence of normal relationship.

(III) If there are missing posterior teeth bilaterally in the same arch, under the above guidelines, bilateral space maintainer is the treatment of choice.

(IV) The teeth numbers shown on the claim must be those of the missing teeth.

(V) Post-operative bitewing images must be available for review.

(VI) Bilateral band and loop space maintainer is allowed if member does not have eruption of the four (4) mandibular anterior teeth in position or if sedation case that presents limitations to fabricate other space maintenance appliances.

(ii) Lingual arch bar.  Payment is made for the services provided in accordance with the following:

(I) Lingual arch bar is used when permanent incisors are erupted and the second primary molar (K or T) is missing in the same arch.

(II) The requirements are the same as for band and loop space maintainer.

(III) Pre and post-operative images must be available.

(M) Analgesia.  Analgesia services are reimbursable in accordance with the following:

(i) Inhalation of nitrous oxide.  Use of nitrous oxide is compensable for four (4) occurrences per year and is not separately reimbursable, if provided on the same date as IV sedation, non-intravenous conscious sedation, or general anesthesia. The medical need for this service must be documented in the member's record.

(ii) Non-intravenous conscious sedation.  Non-intravenous conscious sedation is not separately reimbursable, if provided on the same date as analgesia, anxiolysis, inhalation of nitrous oxide, IV sedation, or general anesthesia. Non-intravenous conscious sedation is reimbursable when determined to be medically necessary for documented handicapped members, uncontrollable members or justifiable medical or dental conditions. The report must detail the member's condition. No services are reimbursable when provided primarily for the convenience of the member and/or the dentist, it must be medically necessary.

(N) Pulp caps.  Indirect and direct pulp cap must be ADA accepted calcium hydroxide or mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) materials, not a cavity liner or chemical used for dentinal hypersensitivity. Indirect and direct pulp cap codes require specific narrative support addressing materials used, intent and reasons for use. Application of chemicals used for dentinal hypersensitivity is not allowed as indirect pulp cap. Utilization of these codes is verified by post payment review.

(O) Protective restorations.  This restoration includes removal of decay, if present, and is reimbursable for the same tooth on the same date of service with a direct or indirect pulp cap, if needed. Permanent restoration of the tooth is allowed after sixty (60) days unless the tooth becomes symptomatic and requires pain relieving treatment.

(P) Smoking and tobacco use cessation counseling. Smoking and tobacco use cessation counseling is covered per OAC 317:30-5-2 (DD) (i) through (iv).

(Q) Additional services. Additional covered services, which require a prior authorization, are outlined in OAC 317:30-5-698.

(3) 1915(c) home and community-based services (HCBS) waivers.  Dental services are defined in each waiver and must be prior authorized.

Disclaimer. The OHCA rules found on this Web site are unofficial. The official rules are published by the Oklahoma Secretary of State Office of Administrative Rules as Title 317 of the Oklahoma Administrative Code. To order an official copy of these rules, contact the Office of Administrative Rules at (405) 521-4911.