D0270 is the CDT code for a single bitewing radiographic image. A bitewing film captures the crowns of upper and lower posterior teeth on one image, used primarily to detect interproximal decay and assess crestal bone height. D0270 is used when only one bitewing image is taken on a given date of service, as opposed to a two-image or four-image bitewing series.
Last updated June 2026 · Reviewed by the PracticeAlpha billing team
Get help with D0270 claims →Use D0270 when taking exactly one bitewing radiograph on a date of service. This code is appropriate when a single quadrant or one posterior area needs evaluation and a full bitewing series is not warranted. It is also used in pediatric patients with limited posterior dentition where only one bitewing captures the relevant area.
Common clinical scenarios: Targeted evaluation of a specific posterior quadrant between routine recall periods. Monitoring a known area of concern such as a restoration margin or early caries lesion on one side. Pediatric patient with posterior contacts on only one side. Follow-up image for a single area after treatment.
Use the series codes instead of multiple D0270 units when appropriate: Two bitewing images taken together should be billed as D0272, not two D0270 units. Four bitewing images taken together should be billed as D0274, not four D0270 units. Using single-unit codes to represent a bitewing series is a common coding error that can be considered upcoding or miscoding depending on the payer.
Most dental plans allow bitewing radiographs once every 12 or 24 months. Plans typically count the number of bitewing images taken per interval, regardless of which bitewing code is billed. If the patient had bitewings earlier in the benefit period, a claim for D0270 will be denied even if only one image was taken. Verify radiograph history before the appointment.
D0210 includes bitewing images as part of the complete radiographic survey. Billing D0270 or any bitewing code on the same date as D0210 results in an automatic denial. The bitewing images are bundled into the full mouth series fee. This is one of the most common radiograph billing errors.
When a standard bitewing series of two or four images is taken, the correct codes are D0272 or D0274. Billing multiple D0270 units to represent a series may be flagged by payers as miscoding and could result in denial or recoupment on audit. Bill the series code that matches the number of images actually taken.
For single bitewing images taken outside the routine recall schedule, payers may request documentation of clinical necessity. The record should explain why an additional image was taken. Monitoring a specific restoration or caries lesion is a clear clinical reason. A note in the chart supports the claim if it is questioned.
D0270 is for a single bitewing. If two or four images were taken on the same date, the correct code is D0272 or D0274. Confirm the number of images before billing to avoid miscoding.
For single bitewings taken outside a standard recall schedule, document why the image was taken. Targeted monitoring, symptom evaluation, or post-treatment assessment are all valid and documentable reasons.
Record findings from the image in the clinical note. Document whether interproximal caries were detected, restoration margins appear intact, or crestal bone is within normal limits. This completes the diagnostic record.
Confirm that D0210 is not also being billed on the same date of service. Bitewing codes and full mouth series codes cannot both be billed on the same visit.
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Learn about our billing servicesD0270 is the CDT code for a single bitewing radiographic image. Bitewing radiographs show the crowns of upper and lower posterior teeth on one film, used primarily for interproximal caries detection and crestal bone assessment. D0270 is used when only one bitewing is taken on a date of service.
D0270 is for one bitewing image. D0272 is for two bitewing images taken together. D0274 is for four bitewing images (the standard adult series). Bill the code that matches the number of images actually taken. Do not bill four D0270 units when D0274 is the correct series code.
Common reasons include payer frequency limitations on bitewing radiographs, billing D0270 on the same date as D0210 (full mouth series), and using individual D0270 units when a series code (D0272 or D0274) is appropriate for the number of images taken.
Record the reason the image was taken, the area imaged, and the radiographic findings. For single bitewings outside a routine recall schedule, note the specific clinical indication such as monitoring a known area or evaluating a symptom.
No. D0210 includes bitewing images as part of the full mouth series. Billing any bitewing code (D0270, D0272, D0274) on the same date as D0210 results in denial because the bitewings are already bundled into the full mouth series fee.
Most dental plans allow bitewing radiographs once every 12 or 24 months. Some plans allow more frequent imaging for high caries risk patients with supporting documentation. Check the patient's specific plan and radiograph history before scheduling.
Search all 206 CDT codes in our dental coding guide.