Effective Date of Rule: February 24, 2010.

     Purpose: Under sections 201 and 209, chapter 564, Laws of 2009 (ESHB 1244) for fiscal years 2010 and 2011, funding for dental services is reduced from current levels. The department is amending language in sections in chapter 388-535 WAC in order to meet these targeted budget expenditure levels. The changes include, for clients through age twenty, reducing coverage of restorative services (crowns) and reducing coverage for repairs to partial dentures; for clients age twenty-one and older, reducing coverage for endodontic treatment and oral and maxillofacial surgery; and for all clients, reducing coverage for partial dentures.

     Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 388-535-1084, 388-535-1090, 388-535-1100, 388-535-1261, 388-535-1266, 388-535-1267, 388-535-1269, and 388-535-1271.

     Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 74.08.090 and 74.09.800.

     Other Authority: Sections 201 and 209, chapter 564, Laws of 2009 (ESHB 1244).

     Under RCW 34.05.350 the agency for good cause finds that in order to implement the requirements or reductions in appropriations enacted in any budget for fiscal years 2009, 2010, or 2011, which necessitates the need for the immediate adoption, amendment, or repeal of a rule, and that observing the time requirements of notice and opportunity to comment upon adoption of a permanent rule would be contrary to the fiscal needs or requirements of the agency.

     Reasons for this Finding: Emergency rule adoption is required in order for the department to comply with sections 201 and 209 of the operating budget for fiscal years 2010 and 2011 with respect to dental services. This emergency filing is necessary to continue the current emergency rules filed as WSR 09-22-037 on October 27, 2009, while the department prepares drafts for the permanent rule to share with providers for their input. Following this, the department plans to formally adopt the permanent rules in early 2010.

     Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 8, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0;      Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 8, Repealed 0.

     Date Adopted: February 18, 2010.

Don Goldsby, Manager

Rules and Policies Assistance Unit

     (1) Restorative/operative procedures. The department covers restorative/operative procedures performed in a hospital or an ambulatory surgical center for:

     (a) Clients ages eight and younger;

     (b) Clients ages nine through twenty only on a case-by-case basis and when prior authorized; and

     (c) Clients of the division of developmental disabilities according to WAC 388-535-1099.

     (2) Amalgam restorations for primary and permanent teeth. The department considers:

     (a) Tooth preparation, all adhesives (including amalgam bonding agents), liners, bases, and polishing as part of the amalgam restoration.

     (b) The occlusal adjustment of either the restored tooth or the opposing tooth or teeth as part of the amalgam restoration.

     (c) Buccal or lingual surface amalgam restorations, regardless of size or extension, as a one surface restoration. The department covers one buccal and one lingual surface per tooth.

     (d) Multiple amalgam restorations of fissures and grooves of the occlusal surface of the same tooth as a one surface restoration.

     (e) Amalgam restorations placed within six months of a crown preparation by the same provider or clinic to be included in the payment for the crown.

     (3) Amalgam restorations for primary posterior teeth only. The department covers amalgam restorations for a maximum of two surfaces for a primary first molar and maximum of three surfaces for a primary second molar. (See subsection (9)(c) of this section for restorations for a primary posterior tooth requiring additional surfaces.) The department does not pay for additional amalgam restorations.

     (4) Amalgam restorations for permanent posterior teeth only. The department:

     (a) Covers two occlusal amalgam restorations for teeth one, two, three fourteen, fifteen, and sixteen, if the restorations are anatomically separated by sound tooth structure.

     (b) Covers amalgam restorations for a maximum of five surfaces per tooth for a permanent posterior tooth, once per client, per provider or clinic, in a two-year period.

     (c) Covers amalgam restorations for a maximum of six surfaces per tooth for teeth one, two, three, fourteen, fifteen, and sixteen, once per client, per provider or clinic, in a two-year period (see (a) of this subsection).

     (d) Does not pay for replacement of amalgam restoration on permanent posterior teeth within a two-year period unless the restoration has an additional adjoining carious surface. The department pays for the replacement restoration as one multi-surface restoration. The client's record must include radiographs and documentation supporting the medical necessity for the replacement restoration.

     (5) Resin-based composite restorations for primary and permanent teeth. The department:

     (a) Considers tooth preparation, acid etching, all adhesives (including resin bonding agents), liners and bases, polishing, and curing as part of the resin-based composite restoration.

     (b) Considers the occlusal adjustment of either the restored tooth or the opposing tooth or teeth as part of the resin-based composite restoration.

     (c) Considers buccal or lingual surface resin-based composite restorations, regardless of size or extension, as a one surface restoration. The department covers only one buccal and one lingual surface per tooth.

     (d) Considers resin-based composite restorations of teeth where the decay does not penetrate the dentoenamel junction (DEJ) to be sealants (see WAC 388-535-1082(4) for sealants coverage).

     (e) Considers multiple preventive restorative resin, flowable composite resin, or resin-based composites for the occlusal, buccal, lingual, mesial, and distal fissures and grooves on the same tooth as a one surface restoration.

     (f) Does not cover preventive restorative resin or flowable composite resin on the interproximal surfaces (mesial and/or distal) when performed on posterior teeth or the incisal surface of anterior teeth.

     (g) Considers resin-based composite restorations placed within six months of a crown preparation by the same provider or clinic to be included in the payment for the crown.

     (6) Resin-based composite restorations for primary teeth only. The department covers:

     (a) Resin-based composite restorations for a maximum of three surfaces for a primary anterior tooth (see subsection (9)(b) of this section for restorations for a primary anterior tooth requiring a four or more surface restoration). The department does not pay for additional composite or amalgam restorations on the same tooth after three surfaces.

     (b) Resin-based composite restorations for a maximum of two surfaces for a primary first molar and a maximum of three surfaces for a primary second molar. (See subsection (9)(c) of this subsection for restorations for a primary posterior tooth requiring additional surfaces.) The department does not pay for additional composite restorations on the same tooth.

     (c) Glass ((ionimer)) ionomer restorations only for primary teeth, and only for clients ages five and younger. The department pays for these restorations as a one surface resin-based composite restoration.

     (7) Resin-based composite restorations for permanent teeth only. The department covers:

     (a) Two occlusal resin-based composite restorations for teeth one, two, fourteen, fifteen, and sixteen if the restorations are anatomically separated by sound tooth structure.

     (b) Resin-based composite restorations for a maximum of five surfaces per tooth for a permanent posterior tooth, once per client, per provider or clinic, in a two-year period.

     (c) Resin-based composite restorations for a maximum of six surfaces per tooth for permanent posterior teeth one, two, three, fourteen, fifteen, and sixteen, once per client, per provider or clinic, in a two-year period (see (a) of this subsection).

     (d) Resin-based composite restorations for a maximum of six surfaces per tooth for a permanent anterior tooth, once per client, per provider or clinic, in a two-year period.

     (e) Replacement of resin-based composite restoration on permanent teeth within a two-year period only if the restoration has an additional adjoining carious surface. The department pays the replacement restoration as a one multi-surface restoration. The client's record must include radiographs and documentation supporting the medical necessity for the replacement restoration.

     (8) Crowns. The department:

     (a) Covers the following crowns once every five years, per tooth, for permanent anterior teeth for clients ages twelve through twenty when the crowns meet prior authorization criteria in WAC 388-535-1220 and the provider follows the prior authorization requirements in (d) of this subsection:

     (i) Porcelain/ceramic crowns to include all porcelains, glasses, glass-ceramic, and porcelain fused to metal crowns; and

     (ii) Resin crowns and resin metal crowns to include any resin-based composite, fiber, or ceramic reinforced polymer compound.

     (b) ((Covers full coverage metal crowns once every five years, per tooth, for permanent posterior teeth to include high noble, titanium, titanium alloys, noble, and predominantly base metal crowns for clients ages eighteen through twenty when they meet prior authorization criteria and the provider follows the prior authorization requirements in (d) and (e) of this subsection.

     (c))) Considers the following to be included in the payment for a crown:

     (i) Tooth and soft tissue preparation;

     (ii) Amalgam and resin-based composite restoration, or any other restorative material placed within six months of the crown preparation. Exception: The department covers a one surface restoration on an endodontically treated tooth, or a core buildup or cast post and core;

     (iii) Temporaries, including but not limited to, temporary restoration, temporary crown, provisional crown, temporary prefabricated stainless steel crown, ion crown, or acrylic crown;

     (iv) Packing cord placement and removal;

     (v) Diagnostic or final impressions;

     (vi) Crown seating (placement), including cementing and insulating bases;

     (vii) Occlusal adjustment of crown or opposing tooth or teeth; and

     (viii) Local anesthesia.

     (((d))) (c) Requires the provider to submit the following with each prior authorization request:

     (i) Radiographs to assess all remaining teeth;

     (ii) Documentation and identification of all missing teeth;

     (iii) Caries diagnosis and treatment plan for all remaining teeth, including a caries control plan for clients with rampant caries;

     (iv) Pre- and post-endodontic treatment radiographs for requests on endodontically treated teeth; and

     (v) Documentation supporting a five-year prognosis that the client will retain the tooth or crown if the tooth is crowned.

     (((e))) (d) Requires a provider to bill for a crown only after delivery and seating of the crown, not at the impression date.

     (9) Other restorative services. The department covers:

     (a) All recementations of permanent indirect crowns.

     (b) Prefabricated stainless steel crowns with resin window, resin-based composite crowns, prefabricated esthetic coated stainless steel crowns, and fabricated resin crowns for primary anterior teeth once every three years without prior authorization if the tooth requires a four or more surface restoration.

     (c) Prefabricated stainless steel crowns for primary posterior teeth once every three years without prior authorization if:

     (i) Decay involves three or more surfaces for a primary first molar;

     (ii) Decay involves four or more surfaces for a primary second molar; or

     (iii) The tooth had a pulpotomy.

     (d) Prefabricated stainless steel crowns for permanent posterior teeth once every three years when prior authorized.

     (e) Prefabricated stainless steel crowns for clients of the division of developmental disabilities according to WAC 388-535-1099.

     (f) Core buildup, including pins, only on permanent teeth, when prior authorized at the same time as the crown prior authorization.

     (g) Cast post and core or prefabricated post and core, only on permanent teeth, when prior authorized at the same time as the crown prior authorization.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090, 74.09.500, 74.09.520. 07-06-042, § 388-535-1084, filed 3/1/07, effective 4/1/07.]

     Reviser's note: The typographical error in the above section occurred in the copy filed by the agency and appears in the Register pursuant to the requirements of RCW 34.08.040.
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 07-06-042, filed 3/1/07, effective 4/1/07)

WAC 388-535-1090   Covered dental-related services for clients through age twenty--Prosthodontics (removable).   The department covers medically necessary prosthodontics (removable) services, subject to the coverage limitations listed, for clients through age twenty as follows:

     (1) Prosthodontics. The department:

     (a) Requires prior authorization for all removable prosthodontic and prosthodontic-related procedures, except as stated in (c)(ii)(B) of this subsection. Prior authorization requests must meet the criteria in WAC 388-535-1220. In addition, the department requires the dental provider to submit:

     (i) Appropriate and diagnostic radiographs of all remaining teeth.

     (ii) A dental record which identifies:

     (A) All missing teeth for both arches;

     (B) Teeth that are to be extracted; and

     (C) Dental and periodontal services completed on all remaining teeth.

     (iii) A prescription written by a dentist when a denturist's prior authorization request is for an immediate denture or a cast metal partial denture.

     (b) Covers complete dentures, as follows:

     (i) A complete denture, including an immediate denture or overdenture, is covered when prior authorized.

     (ii) Three-month post-delivery care (e.g., adjustments, soft relines, and repairs) from the seat (placement) date of the complete denture, is considered part of the complete denture procedure and is not paid separately.

     (iii) Replacement of an immediate denture with a complete denture is covered if the complete denture is prior authorized at least six months after the seat date of the immediate denture.

     (iv) Replacement of a complete denture or overdenture is covered only if prior authorized at least five years after the seat date of the complete denture or overdenture being replaced. The replacement denture must be prior authorized.

     (c) Covers partial dentures, as follows:

     (i) A partial denture, including a resin ((or flexible base)) partial denture, is covered for anterior and posterior teeth when the partial denture meets the following department coverage criteria.

     (A) The remaining teeth in the arch must have a reasonable periodontal diagnosis and prognosis;

     (B) The client has established caries control;

     (C) One or more anterior teeth are missing or four or more posterior teeth are missing;

     (D) There is a minimum of four stable teeth remaining per arch; and

     (E) There is a three-year prognosis for retention of the remaining teeth.

     (ii) Prior authorization of partial dentures:

     (A) Is required for clients ages nine and younger; and

     (B) Not required for clients ages ten through twenty. Documentation supporting the medical necessity for the service must be included in the client's file.

     (iii) Three-month post-delivery care (e.g., adjustments, soft relines, and repairs) from the seat date of the partial denture, is considered part of the partial denture procedure and is not paid separately.

     (iv) Replacement of a resin or flexible base denture is covered only if prior authorized at least three years after the seat date of the resin or flexible base partial denture being replaced. The replacement denture must be prior authorized and meet department coverage criteria in (c)(i) of this subsection.

     (d) Covers cast-metal framework partial dentures, as follows:

     (i) Cast-metal framework with resin-based partial dentures, including any conventional clasps, rests, and teeth, are covered for clients ages eighteen through twenty only once in a five-year period, on a case-by-case basis, when prior authorized and department coverage criteria listed in subsection (d)(v) of this subsection are met.

     (ii) Cast-metal framework partial dentures for clients ages seventeen and younger are not covered.

     (iii) Three-month post-delivery care (e.g., adjustments, soft relines, and repairs) from the seat date of the cast metal partial denture is considered part of the partial denture procedure and is not paid separately.

     (iv) Replacement of a cast metal framework partial denture is covered on a case-by-case basis and only if placed at least five years after the seat date of the partial denture being replaced. The replacement denture must be prior authorized and meet department coverage criteria listed in (d)(v) of this subsection.

     (v) Department authorization and payment for cast metal framework partial dentures is based on the following criteria:

     (A) The remaining teeth in the arch must have a stable periodontal diagnosis and prognosis;

     (B) The client has established caries control;

     (C) All restorative and periodontal procedures must be completed before the request for prior authorization is submitted;

     (D) There are fewer than eight posterior teeth in occlusion;

     (E) There is a minimum of four stable teeth remaining per arch; and

     (F) There is a five-year prognosis for the retention of the remaining teeth.

     (vi) The department may consider resin partial dentures as an alternative if the department determines the criteria for cast metal framework partial dentures listed in (d)(v) of this subsection are not met.

     (e) Requires a provider to bill for removable prosthetic procedures only after the seating of the prosthesis, not at the impression date. Refer to subsection (2)(e) and (f) for what the department may pay if the removable prosthesis is not delivered and inserted.

     (f) Requires a provider to submit the following with a prior authorization request for removable prosthetics for a client residing in an alternate living facility (ALF) as defined in WAC 388-513-1301 or in a nursing facility:

     (i) The client's medical diagnosis or prognosis;

     (ii) The attending physician's request for prosthetic services;

     (iii) The attending dentist's or denturist's statement documenting medical necessity;

     (iv) A written and signed consent for treatment from the client's legal guardian when a guardian has been appointed; and

     (v) A completed copy of the denture/partial appliance request for skilled nursing facility client form (DSHS 13-788) available from the department's published billing instructions.

     (g) Limits removable partial dentures to resin-based partial dentures for all clients residing in one of the facilities listed in (f) of this subsection. The department may consider cast metal partial dentures if the criteria in subsection (1)(d) are met.

     (h) Requires a provider to deliver services and procedures that are of acceptable quality to the department. The department may recoup payment for services that are determined to be below the standard of care or of an unacceptable product quality.

     (2) Other services for removable prosthodontics. The department covers:

     (a) Adjustments to complete and partial dentures three months after the date of delivery.

     (b) Repairs to complete and partial dentures, once in a twelve month period. The cost of repairs cannot exceed the cost of replacement. The department covers additional repairs on a case-by-case basis and when prior authorized.

     (c) A laboratory reline or rebase to a complete or cast-metal partial denture, once in a three-year period when performed at least six months after the seating date. An additional reline or rebase may be covered for complete or cast-metal partial dentures on a case-by-case basis when prior authorized.

     (d) Up to two tissue conditionings, and only when performed within three months after the seating date.

     (e) Laboratory fees, subject to the following:

     (i) The department does not pay separately for laboratory or professional fees for complete and partial dentures; and

     (ii) The department may pay part of billed laboratory fees when the provider obtains prior authorization, and the client:

     (A) Is not eligible at the time of delivery of the prosthesis;

     (B) Moves from the state;

     (C) Cannot be located;

     (D) Does not participate in completing the complete, immediate, or partial dentures; or

     (E) Dies.

     (f) A provider must submit copies of laboratory prescriptions and receipts or invoices for each claim when billing for laboratory fees.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090, 74.09.500, 74.09.520. 07-06-042, § 388-535-1090, filed 3/1/07, effective 4/1/07.]

     (a) The dental-related services described in subsection (2) of this section unless the services are covered under the early periodic screening, diagnosis and treatment (EPSDT) program. See WAC 388-534-0100 for information about the EPSDT program.

     (b) Any service specifically excluded by statute.

     (c) More costly services when less costly, equally effective services as determined by the department are available.

     (d) Services, procedures, treatment, devices, drugs, or application of associated services:

     (i) Which the department or the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) considers investigative or experimental on the date the services were provided.

     (ii) That are not listed as covered in one or both of the following:

     (A) Washington Administrative Code (WAC).

     (B) The department's current published documents.

     (2) The department does not cover dental-related services listed under the following categories of service for clients through age twenty (see subsection (1)(a) of this section for services provided under the EPSDT program):

     (a) Diagnostic services. The department does not cover:

     (i) Extraoral radiographs.

     (ii) Comprehensive periodontal evaluations.

     (b) Preventive services. The department does not cover:

     (i) Nutritional counseling for control of dental disease.

     (ii) Tobacco counseling for the control and prevention of oral disease.

     (iii) Removable space maintainers of any type.

     (iv) Sealants placed on a tooth with the same-day occlusal restoration, preexisting occlusal restoration, or a tooth with occlusal decay.

     (v) Space maintainers for clients ages nineteen through twenty.

     (c) Restorative services. The department does not cover:

     (i) Restorations for wear on any surface of any tooth without evidence of decay through the enamel or on the root surface;

     (ii) Gold foil restorations.

     (((ii))) (iii) Metallic, resin-based composite, or porcelain/ceramic inlay/onlay restorations.

     (((iii))) (iv) Preventive restorations.

     (v) Crowns for cosmetic purposes (e.g., peg laterals and tetracycline staining).

     (((iv))) (vi) Permanent crowns for ((third molars one, sixteen, seventeen, and thirty-two)) bicuspids or molar teeth.

     (((v))) (vii) Temporary or provisional crowns (including ion crowns).

     (((vi))) (viii) Labial veneer resin or porcelain laminate restorations.

     (((vii))) (ix) Any type of coping.

     (((viii))) (x) Crown repairs.

     (((ix))) (xi) Polishing or recontouring restorations or overhang removal for any type of restoration.

     (d) Endodontic services. The department does not cover:

     (i) Any endodontic therapy on primary teeth, except as described in WAC 388-535-1086 (3)(a).

     (ii) Apexification/recalcification for root resorption of permanent anterior teeth.

     (iii) Any apexification/recalcification procedures for bicuspid or molar teeth.

     (iv) Any apicoectomy/periradicular services for bicuspid or molar teeth.

     (v) Any surgical endodontic procedures including, but not limited to, retrograde fillings (except for anterior teeth), root amputation, reimplantation, and hemisections.

     (e) Periodontic services. The department does not cover:

     (i) Surgical periodontal services including, but not limited to:

     (A) Gingival flap procedures.

     (B) Clinical crown lengthening.

     (C) Osseous surgery.

     (D) Bone or soft tissue grafts.

     (E) Biological material to aid in soft and osseous tissue regeneration.

     (F) Guided tissue regeneration.

     (G) Pedicle, free soft tissue, apical positioning, subepithelial connective tissue, soft tissue allograft, combined connective tissue and double pedicle, or any other soft tissue or osseous grafts.

     (H) Distal or proximal wedge procedures.

     (ii) Nonsurgical periodontal services including, but not limited to:

     (A) Intracoronal or extracoronal provisional splinting.

     (B) Full mouth or quadrant debridement.

     (C) Localized delivery of chemotherapeutic agents.

     (D) Any other type of nonsurgical periodontal service.

     (f) Removable prosthodontics. The department does not cover:

     (i) Removable unilateral partial dentures.

     (ii) Any interim complete or partial dentures.

     (iii) Flexible base partial dentures.

     (iv) Any type of permanent soft reline (e.g., molloplast).

     (v) Precision attachments.

     (((iv))) (vi) Replacement of replaceable parts for semi-precision or precision attachments.

     (g) Implant services. The department does not cover:

     (i) Any type of implant procedures, including, but not limited to, any tooth implant abutment (e.g., periosteal implant, eposteal implant, and transosteal implant), abutments or implant supported crown, abutment supported retainer, and implant supported retainer.

     (ii) Any maintenance or repairs to procedures listed in (g)(i) of this subsection.

     (iii) The removal of any implant as described in (g)(i) of this subsection.

     (h) Fixed prosthodontics. The department does not cover:

     (i) Any type of fixed partial denture pontic or fixed partial denture retainer.

     (ii) Any type of precision attachment, stress breaker, connector bar, coping, cast post, or any other type of fixed attachment or prosthesis.

     (i) Oral and maxillofacial surgery. The department does not cover:

     (i) Any oral surgery service not listed in WAC 388-535-1094.

     (ii) Any oral surgery service that is not listed in the department's list of covered current procedural terminology (CPT) codes published in the department's current rules or billing instructions.

     (j) Adjunctive general services. The department does not cover:

     (i) Anesthesia, including, but not limited to:

     (A) Local anesthesia as a separate procedure.

     (B) Regional block anesthesia as a separate procedure.

     (C) Trigeminal division block anesthesia as a separate procedure.

     (D) Medication for oral sedation, or therapeutic intramuscular (IM) drug injections, including antibiotic and injection of sedative.

     (E) Application of any type of desensitizing medicament or resin.

     (ii) Other general services including, but not limited to:

     (A) Fabrication of an athletic mouthguard.

     (B) Occlusion analysis.

     (C) Occlusal adjustment, tooth or restoration adjustment or smoothing, or odontoplasties.

     (D) Enamel microabrasion.

     (E) Dental supplies such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, and other take home items.

     (F) Dentist's or dental hygienist's time writing or calling in prescriptions.

     (G) Dentist's or dental hygienist's time consulting with clients on the phone.

     (H) Educational supplies.

     (I) Nonmedical equipment or supplies.

     (J) Personal comfort items or services.

     (K) Provider mileage or travel costs.

     (L) Fees for no-show, cancelled, or late arrival appointments.

     (M) Service charges of any type, including fees to create or copy charts.

     (N) Office supplies used in conjunction with an office visit.

     (O) Teeth whitening services or bleaching, or materials used in whitening or bleaching.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090, 74.09.500, 74.09.520. 07-06-042, § 388-535-1100, filed 3/1/07, effective 4/1/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.057, 74.08.090, 74.09.530, 2003 1st sp.s. c 25, P.L. 104-191. 03-19-078, § 388-535-1100, filed 9/12/03, effective 10/13/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090, 74.09.035, 74.09.500, 74.09.520, 42 U.S.C. 1396d(a), 42 C.F.R. 440.100 and 440.225. 02-13-074, § 388-535-1100, filed 6/14/02, effective 7/15/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090, 74.09.035, 74.09.520 and 74.09.700, 42 USC 1396d(a), CFR 440.100 and 440.225. 99-07-023, § 388-535-1100, filed 3/10/99, effective 4/10/99. Statutory Authority: Initiative 607, 1995 c 18 2nd sp.s. and 74.08.090. 96-01-006 (Order 3931), § 388-535-1100, filed 12/6/95, effective 1/6/96.]

     (1) Pulpal debridement. The department covers pulpal debridement on permanent teeth. Pulpal debridement is not covered when performed with palliative treatment or when performed on the same day as endodontic treatment.

     (2) Endodontic treatment. The department:

     (a) Covers endodontic treatment for permanent anterior teeth only;

     (b) Considers the following included in endodontic treatment:

     (i) Pulpectomy when part of root canal therapy;

     (ii) All procedures necessary to complete treatment; and

     (iii) All intra-operative and final evaluation radiographs for the endodontic procedure.

     (c) Pays separately for the following services that are related to the endodontic treatment:

     (i) Initial diagnostic evaluation;

     (ii) Initial diagnostic radiographs; and

     (iii) Post treatment evaluation radiographs if taken at least three months after treatment.

     (((d) Requires prior authorization for endodontic retreatment and considers endodontic retreatment to include:

     (i) The removal of post(s), pin(s), old root canal filling material, and all procedures necessary to prepare the canals;

     (ii) Placement of new filling material; and

     (iii) Retreatment for permanent maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth only.

     (e) Pays separately for the following services that are related to the endodontic retreatment:

     (i) Initial diagnostic evaluation;

     (ii) Initial diagnostic radiographs; and

     (iii) Post treatment evaluation radiographs if taken at least three months after treatment.

     (f) Does not pay for endodontic retreatment when provided by the original treating provider or clinic.))

[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090, 74.09.500, 74.09.520. 07-06-041, § 388-535-1261, filed 3/1/07, effective 4/1/07.]

     (1) Removable prosthodontics. The department:

     (a) Requires prior authorization requests for all removable prosthodontics and prosthodontic-related procedures listed in this subsection. Prior authorization requests must meet the criteria in WAC 388-535-1280. In addition, the department requires the dental provider to:

     (i) Submit:

     (A) Appropriate and diagnostic radiographs of all remaining teeth.

     (B) A dental record that identifies:

     (I) All missing teeth for both arches;

     (II) Teeth that are to be extracted; and

     (III) Dental and periodontal services completed on all remaining teeth.

     (C) A prescription written by a dentist when a denturist's prior authorization request is for an immediate denture or cast metal partial denture.

     (ii) Obtain a signed agreement of acceptance from the client at the conclusion of the final denture try-in for a department authorized complete denture or a cast-metal denture described in this section. If the client abandons the complete denture or the cast-metal partial denture after signing the agreement of acceptance, the department will deny subsequent requests for the same type dental prosthesis if the request occurs prior to the dates specified in this section. A copy of the signed agreement that documents the client's acceptance of the dental prosthesis must be submitted to the department's dental prior authorization section before the department pays the claim.

     (b) Covers a complete denture, as follows:

     (i) A complete denture, including an immediate denture or overdenture, is covered when prior authorized and the complete denture meets department coverage criteria;

     (ii) Post-delivery care (e.g., adjustments, soft relines, and repairs) provided within three months of the seat date of a complete denture, is considered part of the complete denture procedure and is not paid separately;

     (iii) Replacement of an immediate denture with a complete denture is covered only when the replacement occurs at least ((six months)) five years from the seat date of the immediate denture. The replacement complete denture must be prior authorized; and

     (iv) Replacement of a complete denture or overdenture is covered only when the replacement occurs at least five years from the seat date of the complete denture or overdenture being replaced. The replacement denture must be prior authorized.

     (c) Covers partial dentures as follows:

     (i) Department authorization and payment for a resin ((or flexible)) base partial denture for anterior and posterior teeth is based on the following criteria:

     (A) The remaining teeth in the arch must have a reasonable periodontal diagnosis and prognosis;

     (B) The client has established caries control;

     (C) One or more anterior teeth are missing, or four or more posterior teeth, excluding second and third molars, per arch are missing. The department does not pay for replacement of second or third molars;

     (D) There is a minimum of four stable teeth remaining per arch; and

     (E) There is a three-year prognosis for retention of all remaining teeth.

     (ii) Post-delivery care (e.g. adjustments, soft relines, and repairs) provided after three months from the seat date of the partial denture, is considered part of the partial denture and is not paid separately; and

     (iii) Replacement of a resin ((or flexible)) base denture is covered only when the replacement occurs at least three years from the seat date of the partial denture being replaced. The replacement denture must be prior authorized and meet department coverage criteria.

     (d) Covers cast metal framework partial dentures as follows:

     (i) A cast metal framework with resin-based denture, including any conventional clasps, rests, and teeth, is covered on a case-by-case basis when prior authorized and department coverage criteria listed in (d)(iv) of this subsection are met.

     (ii) Post-delivery care (e.g., adjustments, soft relines, and repairs) provided within three months of the seat date of the cast metal partial denture, is considered part of the partial denture procedure and is not paid separately.

     (iii) Replacement of a cast metal framework partial denture is covered on a case-by-case basis and only when the replacement occurs at least five years from the seat date of the partial denture being replaced. The replacement denture must be prior authorized and meet department coverage criteria listed in (d)(iv) of this subsection.

     (iv) Department authorization and payment for cast metal framework partial dentures is based on the following criteria:

     (A) The remaining teeth in the arch must have a stable periodontal diagnosis and prognosis;

     (B) The client has established caries control;

     (C) All restorative and periodontal procedures must be completed before the request for prior authorization is submitted;

     (D) ((There are fewer than eight posterior teeth in occlusion)) Four or more posterior teeth, excluding second and third molars, per arch are missing. The department does not pay for replacement of second or third molars;

     (E) There is a minimum of four stable teeth remaining per arch;

     (F) There is a five-year prognosis, based on the sole discretion of the department, for retention of all remaining teeth.

     (v) The department may consider resin partial dentures as an alternative if the criteria for cast metal framework partial dentures listed in (d)(iv) of this subsection do not meet department specifications.

     (e) Requires the provider to bill for covered removable prosthetic procedures only after the seating of the prosthesis, not at the impression date. Refer to (2)(c) and (d) of this subsection if the removable prostheses is not delivered and inserted.

     (f) Requires a provider to submit the following with prior authorization requests for removable prosthetics for a client residing in a nursing home, group home, or other facility:

     (i) The client's medical diagnosis and prognosis;

     (ii) The attending physician's request for prosthetic services;

     (iii) The attending dentist's or denturist's statement documenting medical necessity;

     (iv) A written and signed consent from the client's legal guardian when a guardian has been appointed; and

     (v) A completed copy of the Denture/Partial Appliance Request for Skilled Nursing Facility Client form (DSHS 13-788) available from the department.

     (g) Limits removable partial dentures to resin based partial dentures for all clients who reside in one of the facilities listed in (f) of this subsection. The department may consider cast metal partial dentures if the criteria in (d) of this subsection are met.

     (h) Requires a provider to deliver services and procedures that are of acceptable quality to the department. The department may recoup payment for services that are determined to be below the standard of care or of an unacceptable product quality.

     (2) Other services for removable prosthetics. The department covers:

     (a) ((Repairs to complete and partial dentures;

     (b))) A laboratory reline or rebase to a complete or cast metal partial denture, once in a three-year period when performed at least six months after the seat (placement) date; and

     (((c))) (b) Laboratory fees, subject to all of the following:

     (i) The department does not pay laboratory and professional fees for complete and partial dentures, except as stated in (ii) of this subsection;

     (ii) The department may pay part of billed laboratory fees when the provider has obtained prior authorization from the department, and:

     (A) At the time of delivery of the prosthesis, the patient is no longer an eligible medical assistance client (see also WAC 388-535-1280(3));

     (B) The client moves from the state; or

     (C) The client dies.

     (iii) A provider must submit copies of laboratory prescriptions and receipts or invoices for each claim when billing for laboratory fees.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090, 74.09.500, 74.09.520. 07-06-041, § 388-535-1266, filed 3/1/07, effective 4/1/07.]

     (1) Oral and maxillofacial surgery services. The department:

     (a) Requires enrolled dental providers who do not meet the conditions in WAC 388-535-1070(3) to bill claims for services that are listed in this subsection using only the current dental terminology (CDT) codes.

     (b) Requires ((enrolled providers ())oral and maxillofacial surgeons(())) who meet the conditions in WAC 388-535-1070(3) to bill claims using current procedural terminology (CPT) codes unless the procedure is specifically listed in the department's current published billing instructions as a CDT covered code (e.g., extractions).

     (c) Does not cover oral surgery services described in WAC 388-535-1267 that are performed in a hospital operating room or ambulatory surgery center.

     (d) Requires the client's record to include supporting documentation for each type of extraction or any other surgical procedure billed to the department. The documentation must include:

     (i) An appropriate consent form signed by the client or the client's legal representative;

     (ii) Appropriate radiographs;

     (iii) Medical justification with diagnosis;

     (iv) Client's blood pressure, when appropriate;

     (v) A surgical narrative;

     (vi) A copy of the post-operative instructions; and

     (vii) A copy of all pre- and post-operative prescriptions.

     (e) Covers routine and surgical extractions.

     (f) Covers debridement of a granuloma or cyst that is five millimeters or greater in diameter. The department includes debridement of a granuloma or cyst that is less than five millimeters as part of the global fee for the extraction.

     (g) Covers biopsy, as follows:

     (i) Biopsy of soft oral tissue ((or brush biopsy do)) does not require prior authorization; and

     (ii) All biopsy reports must be kept in the client's record.

     (h) ((Covers alveoloplasty only when three or more teeth are extracted per arch.

     (i))) Covers surgical excision of soft tissue lesions only on a case-by-case basis and when prior authorized.

     (((j) Covers only the following excisions of bone tissue in conjunction with placement of immediate, complete, or partial dentures when prior authorized:

     (i) Removal of lateral exostosis;

     (ii) Removal of torus palatinus or torus mandibularis; and

     (iii) Surgical reduction of soft tissue or osseous tuberosity.))

     (2) Surgical incision-related services. The department covers ((the following surgical incision-related services:

     (a))) uncomplicated intraoral and extraoral soft tissue incision and drainage of abscess. The department does not cover this service when combined with an extraction or root canal treatment. Documentation supporting medical necessity must be in the client's record((; and

     (b) Removal of foreign body from mucosa, skin, or subcutaneous alveolar tissue when prior authorized. Documentation supporting medical necessity must be in the client's record)).

[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090, 74.09.500, 74.09.520. 07-06-041, § 388-535-1267, filed 3/1/07, effective 4/1/07.]

     (1) Adjunctive general services. The department:

     (a) Covers palliative (emergency) treatment, not to include pulpal debridement, for treatment of dental pain, limited to once per day, per client, as follows:

     (i) The treatment must occur during limited evaluation appointments;

     (ii) A comprehensive description of diagnosis and services provided must be documented in the client's record; and

     (iii) Appropriate radiographs must be in the client's record to support medical necessity for the treatment.

     (b) Covers local anesthesia and regional blocks as part of the global fee for any procedure being provided to clients.

     (c) Covers office based oral or parenteral sedation:

     (i) For services listed as covered in WAC 388-535-1267;

     (ii) For all current published current procedural terminology (CPT) dental codes;

     (iii) When the provider's current valid anesthesia permit is on file with the department; and

     (iv) For clients of the division of developmental disabilities according to WAC 388-535-1099.

     (d) Covers office based general anesthesia for:

     (i) Extraction of three or more teeth;

     (ii) ((Services listed as covered in WAC 388-535-1267 (1)(h) and (j);

     (iii) For all current published CPT dental codes;

     (iv))) When the provider's current valid anesthesia permit is on file with the department; and

     (((v))) (iii) For clients of the division of developmental disabilities, according to WAC 388-535-1099.

     (e) Covers inhalation of nitrous oxide, once per day.

     (f) Requires providers of oral or parenteral conscious sedation, or general anesthesia to meet:

     (i) The prevailing standard of care;

     (ii) The provider's professional organizational guidelines;

     (iii) The requirements in chapter 246-817 WAC; and

     (iv) Relevant department of health (DOH) medical, dental, and nursing anesthesia regulations;

     (g) Pays for anesthesia services according to WAC 388-535-1350;

     (h) Covers professional consultation/diagnostic services as follows:

     (i) A dentist or a physician other than the practitioner providing treatment must provide the services; and

     (ii) A client must be referred by the department for the services to be covered.

     (2) Nonemergency dental services. The department covers nonemergency dental services performed in a hospital or ambulatory surgical center for clients of the division of developmental disabilities according to WAC 388-535-1099.

     (3) Professional visits. The department covers:

     (a) Up to two house/extended care facility calls (visits) per facility, per provider. The department limits payment to two facilities per day, per provider.

     (b) One hospital call (visit), including emergency care, per day, per provider, per client. The department does not pay for additional hospital calls if billed for the same client on the same day.

     (c) Emergency office visits after regularly scheduled hours. The department limits payment to one emergency visit per day, per provider.

     (4) Drugs and/or medicaments (pharmaceuticals). The department covers drugs and/or medicaments (pharmaceuticals) only when used with parenteral conscious sedation, deep sedation, or general anesthesia. The department's dental program does not pay for oral sedation medications.

     (5) Miscellaneous services. The department covers:

     (a) Behavior management that requires the assistance of one additional dental staff other than the dentist only for clients of the division of developmental disabilities((.)) (see WAC 388-535-1099). Documentation supporting the need for the behavior management must be in the client's record.

     (b) Treatment of post-surgical complications (e.g., dry socket). Documentation supporting the medical necessity for the service must be in the client's record.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090, 74.09.500, 74.09.520. 07-06-041, § 388-535-1269, filed 3/1/07, effective 4/1/07.]

     (a) The dental-related services and procedures described in subsection (2) of this section;

     (b) Any service specifically excluded by statute;

     (c) More costly services when less costly, equally effective services as determined by the department are available; and

     (d) Services, procedures, treatment, devices, drugs, or application of associated services:

     (i) Which the department or the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) considers investigative or experimental on the date the services were provided.

     (ii) That are not listed as covered in one or both of the following:

     (A) Washington Administrative Code (WAC).

     (B) The department's published documents (e.g., billing instructions).

     (2) The department does not cover dental-related services listed under the following categories of service for clients age twenty-one and older:

     (a) Diagnostic services. The department does not cover:

     (i) Detailed and extensive oral evaluations or reevaluations;

     (ii) Comprehensive periodontal evaluations;

     (iii) Extraoral or occlusal intraoral radiographs;

     (iv) Posterior-anterior or lateral skull and facial bone survey films;

     (v) Sialography;

     (vi) Any temporomandibular joint films;

     (vii) Tomographic survey;

     (viii) Cephalometric films;

     (ix) Oral/facial photographic images;

     (x) Viral cultures, genetic testing, caries susceptibility tests, adjunctive prediagnostic tests, or pulp vitality tests; or

     (xi) Diagnostic casts.

     (b) Preventive services. The department does not cover:

     (i) Nutritional counseling for control of dental disease;

     (ii) Tobacco counseling for the control and prevention of oral disease;

     (iii) Oral hygiene instructions (included as part of the global fee for oral prophylaxis);

     (iv) Removable space maintainers of any type;

     (v) Sealants;

     (vi) Space maintainers of any type or recementation of space maintainers; or

     (vii) Fluoride trays of any type.

     (c) Restorative services. The department does not cover:

     (i) Restorative/operative procedures performed in a hospital operating room or ambulatory surgical center for clients age twenty-one and older. For clients of the division of developmental disabilities, see WAC 388-535-1099;

     (ii) Restorations for wear on any surface of any tooth without evidence of decay through the enamel or on the root surface;

     (iii) Gold foil restorations;

     (((iii))) (iv) Metallic, resin-based composite, or porcelain/ceramic inlay/onlay restorations;

     (((iv))) (v) Prefabricated ((resin crowns)) restorations;

     (((v))) (vi) Temporary or provisional crowns (including ion crowns);

     (((vi))) (vii) Any type of permanent or temporary crown. For clients of the division of developmental disabilities see WAC 388-535-1099;

     (((vii))) (viii) Recementation of any crown, inlay/onlay, or any other type of indirect restoration;

     (((viii))) (ix) Sedative fillings;

     (((ix))) (x) Preventive ((restorative resins)) restorations;

     (((x))) (xi) Any type of core buildup, cast post and core, or prefabricated post and core;

     (((xi))) (xii) Labial veneer resin or porcelain laminate restoration;

     (((xii))) (xiii) Any type of coping;

     (((xiii))) (xiv) Crown repairs; or

     (((xix))) (xv) Polishing or recontouring restorations or overhang removal for any type of restoration.

     (d) Endodontic services. The department does not cover:

     (i) Indirect or direct pulp caps;

     (ii) Endodontic therapy on any primary teeth for clients age twenty-one and older;

     (iii) Endodontic therapy on permanent bicuspids or molar teeth;

     (iv) Endodontic retreatment of permanent anterior, bicuspid, or molar teeth;

     (v) Any apexification/recalcification procedures;

     (((v))) (vi) Any apicoectomy/periradicular service; or

     (((vi))) (vii) Any surgical endodontic procedures including, but not limited to, retrograde fillings, root amputation, reimplantation, and hemisections.

     (e) Periodontic services. The department does not cover:

     (i) Surgical periodontal services that include, but are not limited to:

     (A) Gingival or apical flap procedures;

     (B) Clinical crown lengthening;

     (C) Any type of osseous surgery;

     (D) Bone or soft tissue grafts;

     (E) Biological material to aid in soft and osseous tissue regeneration;

     (F) Guided tissue regeneration;

     (G) Pedicle, free soft tissue, apical positioning, subepithelial connective tissue, soft tissue allograft, combined connective tissue and double pedicle, or any other soft tissue or osseous grafts; or

     (H) Distal or proximal wedge procedures; or

     (ii) Nonsurgical periodontal services, including but not limited to:

     (A) Intracoronal or extracoronal provisional splinting;

     (B) Full mouth debridement;

     (C) Localized delivery of chemotherapeutic agents; or

     (D) Any other type of nonsurgical periodontal service.

     (f) Prosthodontics (removable). The department does not cover any type of:

     (i) Removable unilateral partial dentures;

     (ii) Adjustments to any removable prosthesis;

     (iii) Repairs to any partial denture;

     (iv) Flexible base partial dentures;

     (v) Replacement of second or third molars for any removable prosthesis;

     (vi) Any type of permanent soft reline (e.g., molloplast);

     (vii) Chairside complete or partial denture relines;

     (((iv))) (viii) Any interim complete or partial denture;

     (((v))) (ix) Precision attachments; or

     (((vi))) (x) Replacement of replaceable parts for semi-precision or precision attachments.

     (g) Oral and maxillofacial prosthetic services. The department does not cover any type of oral or facial prosthesis other than those listed in WAC 388-535-1266.

     (h) Implant services. The department does not cover:

     (i) Any implant procedures, including, but not limited to, any tooth implant abutment (e.g., periosteal implant, eposteal implant, and transosteal implant), abutments or implant supported crown, abutment supported retainer, and implant supported retainer;

     (ii) Any maintenance or repairs to procedures listed in (h)(i) of this subsection; or

     (iii) The removal of any implant as described in (h)(i) of this subsection.

     (i) Prosthodontics (fixed). The department does not cover any type of:

     (i) Fixed partial denture pontic;

     (ii) Fixed partial denture retainer;

     (iii) Precision attachment, stress breaker, connector bar, coping, or cast post; or

     (iv) Other fixed attachment or prosthesis.

     (j) Oral and maxillofacial surgery. The department does not cover:

     (i) Any nonemergency oral surgery performed in a hospital or ambulatory surgical center for current dental terminology (CDT) procedures;

     (ii) Brush biopsy;

     (iii) Any type of alveoplasty;

     (iv) Any type of excisions of bone tissue including, but not limited to:

     (A) Removal of lateral exostosis;

     (B) Removal of torus palatinus or torus mandibularis; and

     (C) Surgical reduction of osseous tuberosity.

     (v) Any type of surgical reduction of fibrous tuberosity;

     (vi) Removal of foreign body from mucosa, skin, or subcutaneous tissue;

     (vii) Vestibuloplasty;

     (((iii))) (viii) Frenuloplasty/frenulectomy;

     (((iv))) (ix) Any oral surgery service not listed in WAC 388-535-1267;

     (((v))) (x) Any oral surgery service that is not listed in the department's list of covered current procedural terminology (CPT) codes published in the department's current rules or billing instructions;

     (((vi))) (xi) Any type of occlusal orthotic splint or device, bruxing or grinding splint or device, temporomandibular joint splint or device, or sleep apnea splint or device; or

     (((vii))) (xii) Any type of orthodontic service or appliance.

     (k) Adjunctive general services. The department does not cover:

     (i) Anesthesia to include:

     (A) Local anesthesia as a separate procedure;

     (B) Regional block anesthesia as a separate procedure;

     (C) Trigeminal division block anesthesia as a separate procedure;

     (D) Analgesia or anxiolysis as a separate procedure except for inhalation of nitrous oxide;

     (E) Medication for oral sedation, or therapeutic drug injections, including antibiotic or injection of sedative; or

     (F) Application of any type of desensitizing medicament or resin.

     (ii) Other general services including, but not limited to:

     (A) Fabrication of athletic mouthguard, occlusal guard, or nightguard;

     (B) Occlusion analysis;

     (C) Occlusal adjustment, tooth or restoration adjustment or smoothing, or odontoplasties;

     (D) Enamel microabrasion;

     (E) Dental supplies, including but not limited to, toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, and other take home items;

     (F) Dentist's or dental hygienist's time writing or calling in prescriptions;

     (G) Dentist's or dental hygienist's time consulting with clients on the phone;

     (H) Educational supplies;

     (I) Nonmedical equipment or supplies;

     (J) Personal comfort items or services;

     (K) Provider mileage or travel costs;

     (L) Missed or late appointment fees;

     (M) Service charges of any type, including fees to create or copy charts;

     (N) Office supplies used in conjunction with an office visit; or

     (O) Teeth whitening services or bleaching, or materials used in whitening or bleaching.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090, 74.09.500, 74.09.520. 07-06-041, § 388-535-1271, filed 3/1/07, effective 4/1/07.]

© Washington State Code Reviser's Office