Effective Jan. 1, 2026, the American Dental Association (ADA) implemented updates to the CDT sedation and anesthesia codes. These revisions enhance clarity and support accurate documentation, helping reduce compliance risk and claim delays.
Key CDT 2026 updates include:
- Expanded definitions for non-intravenous (non IV) sedation
- Refined code descriptors to improve documentation clarity
- Discontinuation of obsolete codes, including D9248 as of Dec. 31, 2025
Intravenous (IV) sedation
Documentation: Medical necessity narrative, sedation start/end times
IV deep sedation/general anesthesia
- D9222 – First 15-minute increment
- D9223 – Each additional 15-minute increment
IV moderate (conscious) sedation
- D9239 – First 15-minute increment
- D9243 – Each additional 15-minute increment
Non-IV sedation (new codes replace D9248)
Documentation: Medical necessity narrative, drug name(s) and anesthesia records
Enteral (oral, sublingual)
- D9244 – Minimal sedation, single drug
- D9245 – Moderate sedation
Non-IV Parenteral (IM or intranasal)
- D9246 – Moderate sedation, first 15 minutes
- D9247 – Each subsequent 15-minute increment
IV anesthesia with advanced airway (new codes)
Documentation: Medical necessity narrative, anesthesia records and airway type
- D9224 – First 15 minutes
- D9225 – Each subsequent 15-minute increment
Key considerations
- Coverage variability: Most commercial plans are expected to adopt CDT 2026 by Jan. 1, 2026
- Systems and workflows: Billing systems and EHR templates must reflect new codes
- Documentation: Claims require clear anesthesia rationale, start and end times, medication details and airway information
- Reimbursement: Delayed code or rate adoption may result in payment discrepancies
Resources
- Verify coverage: Call 800-822-5353
- Credentialing forms: UHCdental.com > Join Our Network