Can a feeding aid be used permanently?

No, a feeding aid is intended for interim use only until surgical closure is possible or until the child develops deciduous teeth, at which point a pediatric speech aid may be used.

Is prior authorization required for billing D5951?

Prior authorization requirements vary by insurance provider, so it's essential to check with the specific insurance company for their policies regarding this code.

How does a feeding aid improve an infant's quality of life?

By closing the oral-nasal cavity defect, a feeding aid improves the infant's ability to suck and swallow, ensuring they receive adequate nutrition and supporting normal growth and development.

What specialists are typically involved in the care of an infant with a feeding aid?

Care typically involves a team including pediatricians, maxillofacial specialists, pediatric dentists, and sometimes speech therapists to ensure comprehensive care and monitoring.

D5951

Feeding Aid - CDT Code Guide

Maxillofacial Prosthetics/Other Removable Prosthetic Services

Overview

CDT code D5951 refers to a feeding aid, also known as a feeding prosthesis, designed for infants with cleft palates. This prosthesis plays a crucial role in maintaining the alignment of the maxillary segments until surgical intervention can be performed. By closing the oral-nasal cavity defect, it significantly enhances the infant's ability to suck and swallow, which is vital for proper nutrition and development. Typically used on an interim basis, this prosthesis is essential for infants with wide clefts that require delayed surgical closure. Once the surgical repair is completed or as the child grows and develops deciduous teeth, a pediatric speech aid may replace the feeding prosthesis to continue supporting oral cavity closure.

When to Use This Code

Infants with a cleft palate requiring temporary oral-nasal cavity separation
Cases where surgical closure of the cleft palate is delayed
Infants experiencing difficulty in sucking and swallowing due to a cleft palate
Situations where maintaining maxillary segment alignment is critical
Before the eruption of deciduous dentition in infants with cleft palate

Documentation Requirements

Detailed patient diagnosis and medical history
Clinical notes indicating the necessity of the feeding prosthesis
Documentation of the cleft palate's impact on feeding and swallowing
Records of interim use and plans for surgical intervention
Progress notes on the infant's adaptation to the prosthesis
Consultation notes from maxillofacial specialists or pediatric dentists

Billing Considerations

When billing for D5951, it's important to note that this code is typically used for interim prosthetic solutions. Frequency limitations may apply, as this is a temporary measure until surgical repair. Common modifiers may include those indicating the prosthesis is for a pediatric patient. Insurance coverage can vary, so verifying with the patient's provider is crucial to ensure proper reimbursement.

Related CDT Codes

D5950 D5952 D5999 D5931

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary purpose is to maintain the alignment of maxillary segments and close the oral-nasal cavity defect to enhance sucking and swallowing until surgical repair can be performed.

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