D0170 is the CDT code for a re-evaluation, limited, problem focused, on an established patient. It is reported when a patient returns so the dentist can reassess a specific problem or condition that was identified earlier. It is not a post-operative visit and it is not the first look at a new complaint, which is what separates it from D0140.
Last updated June 2026 · Reviewed by the PracticeAlpha billing team
Get help with D0170 claims →Use D0170 when an established patient returns to have a specific, previously identified problem re-evaluated. The visit is limited and focused on that one issue rather than a full examination. The key conditions are that the patient is established, a problem was already documented, and the visit is not a post-operative check.
Common clinical scenarios: Reassessing a soft tissue lesion that is being observed over time. Checking a tooth with a questionable prognosis that was placed on watch. Re-evaluating an area of localized pain after an interim measure. Following up on a condition that did not require surgery but does require a focused recheck.
Do NOT use D0170 for: A new problem or emergency on its first visit (use D0140). A post-operative or post-surgical healing check, which is part of the original procedure. A routine periodic exam (use D0120). A comprehensive evaluation of a new or returning patient (use D0150).
D0170 is for focused re-evaluation of a known issue on an established patient.
A soft tissue lesion identified earlier is being watched. The patient returns for a focused re-evaluation of that specific area, not a full exam.
A tooth with a questionable prognosis was placed on observation. D0170 reports the limited recheck of that problem at a later visit.
A focused complaint such as localized discomfort is reassessed after an interim measure, with no surgery involved that would make it a post-op visit.
The most common point of confusion. One starts the assessment, the other follows up.
Established patient returning to reassess a problem that was already identified. Not the first encounter with the issue and not a post-operative visit. Focused on one known condition.
A focused evaluation of a specific problem, often an emergency such as pain or trauma. Frequently the first time the dentist assesses that complaint. It opens the problem, D0170 follows up on it.
Billing tip: Ask whether you are seeing the problem for the first time or rechecking something already documented. First look at a complaint points to D0140. A focused recheck of an already documented problem on an established patient points to D0170. Neither code covers post-operative healing checks.
D0170 explicitly excludes post-operative visits. Re-evaluating healing after an extraction, a surgical procedure, or other treatment is considered part of that procedure and is not separately reportable as D0170. Payers deny it when the record shows the visit was a post-op check. Reserve D0170 for non-surgical problem re-evaluations.
The code requires a previously identified problem. If the chart does not document an earlier finding that is now being reassessed, the re-evaluation has nothing to re-evaluate and the claim gets denied. Make sure the original problem and the plan to recheck it are in the record.
Many plans bundle an evaluation into treatment performed the same day. If definitive treatment is provided at the same visit, the re-evaluation may not be separately payable. Verify the plan rules and document why the re-evaluation was a distinct service if you report both.
Plans that cover evaluations apply frequency limits across evaluation codes. A re-evaluation reported close to a recent exam can be denied as exceeding the allowed frequency. Check how the plan counts evaluation services before reporting D0170.
The note should point back to the previously identified problem being re-evaluated. Without a documented prior finding, there is nothing to re-evaluate.
Confirm the patient is established. D0170 is not for a new patient or a brand new complaint, which would be reported with a different evaluation code.
Record the specific findings of the re-evaluation. Note whether the condition is stable, improved, resolved, or now requires treatment.
Make clear the visit is not a post-surgical check. If it follows a procedure, the re-evaluation is part of that procedure and is not reported as D0170.
Note the plan's evaluation frequency and same-day bundling rules. Keep the verification so the basis for reporting is documented.
Evaluation codes getting denied or bundled? We fix the coding, documentation, and follow-up patterns that cause it.
Learn about our billing servicesD0170 is the CDT code for a re-evaluation, limited, problem focused, for an established patient. It is used when a patient returns to assess a specific problem or condition that was identified at a previous visit, and it is not a post-operative visit.
D0140 is a limited, problem focused evaluation, typically for a new problem or an emergency such as pain or trauma. D0170 is a re-evaluation of a previously identified problem on an established patient. D0140 starts the assessment, D0170 follows up on it.
No. D0170 is specifically not a post-operative visit. Re-evaluating healing after a surgical procedure is considered part of that procedure. D0170 is for following up on a non-surgical problem or condition, such as monitoring a lesion or a tooth being observed.
It can be reported when a distinct, problem focused re-evaluation is performed, but many plans bundle an evaluation with treatment provided the same day. Verify the plan and document the separate re-evaluation clearly when reporting both.
Yes. D0170 is defined for an established patient returning for re-evaluation of a known problem. A new patient or a new problem is reported with a different evaluation code such as D0140 or a comprehensive exam code.
Common reasons include using it as a post-operative check, reporting it when no prior problem was documented to re-evaluate, bundling rules with same-day treatment, frequency limits, and documentation that does not show a focused re-evaluation occurred.
Search all 206 CDT codes in our dental coding guide.