D9920 Behavior management
Also known as: behavior guidance, patient management, tell-show-do
Behavior management techniques used to help patients, particularly children or anxious patients, cooperate with dental treatment through positive reinforcement, distraction, or desensitization.
In Plain Language
techniques to help you cooperate; anxiety management
Clinical Context
Particularly important in pediatric dentistry for anxious or uncooperative patients, using psychological techniques to reduce fear, build trust, and achieve successful dental treatment completion.
RVU Information
CPT D9920 does not have a physician work RVU assigned by CMS. This is typical for supply, drug, and equipment codes — reimbursement is based on Average Sales Price (ASP), fee schedules, or payer contracts rather than the RVU system.
Billing & Documentation
Dental codes (CDT codes) require documentation of the tooth number(s) or area treated, clinical findings, and the procedure performed. Pre-authorization may be required for major restorative, prosthodontic, and oral surgery procedures. Include radiographs when supporting medical necessity.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code D9920?
CPT D9920 (Behavior management) is a D Codes (Dental) code. Behavior management techniques used to help patients, particularly children or anxious patients, cooperate with dental treatment through positive reinforcement, distraction, or desensitization.
Is D9920 covered by dental insurance?
CPT D9920 is a dental procedure code used by Pediatric Dentistry, General Dentistry, Special Needs Dentistry. Particularly important in pediatric dentistry for anxious or uncooperative patients, using psychological techniques to reduce fear, build trust, and achieve successful dental treatment completion. Coverage depends on your dental insurance plan.
When is CPT D9920 used?
Particularly important in pediatric dentistry for anxious or uncooperative patients, using psychological techniques to reduce fear, build trust, and achieve successful dental treatment completion.
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CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association. Data sourced from CMS Physician Fee Schedule RVU26A. Descriptions, synonyms, and clinical context are original content by RVU Edge.