CPT® Code 42280

Official Description

Maxillary impression for palatal prosthesis

Common Language Description

A maxillary impression is a crucial step in the process of creating a palatal prosthesis, which is a dental device used to replace or support the structure of the palate when there is a defect present. This defect may arise from various conditions, including congenital abnormalities, trauma, or surgical removal of tissue due to disease. The palatal prosthesis serves to restore functionality and aesthetics for patients who cannot undergo immediate repair through other surgical techniques, such as tissue flaps or grafts. During the procedure, pliable impression material is carefully applied to the maxilla, encompassing the hard palate and the alveolar ridge, which is the bony ridge containing the sockets of the teeth. Once the impression material is applied, it is allowed to harden, capturing the precise contours of the maxillary arch. After the material has set, it is gently removed, providing a detailed negative mold of the maxilla. This impression is essential for the subsequent fabrication of the palatal prosthesis, which will be created in a separate, reportable procedure, ensuring that the prosthesis fits accurately and comfortably for the patient.

1. Indications

The procedure of taking a maxillary impression for a palatal prosthesis is indicated in the following situations:

Defect in the Palate or Maxilla A palatal prosthesis is required when there is a defect in the palate or maxilla that cannot be immediately repaired using other techniques such as tissue flaps or grafts.

2. Procedure

The procedure for obtaining a maxillary impression for a palatal prosthesis involves several key steps that ensure an accurate mold of the maxillary arch is created.

Step 1: Preparation The patient is positioned comfortably, and the area of the maxilla is prepared for the impression. This may involve ensuring that the oral cavity is clean and free of debris to facilitate a clear impression.
Step 2: Application of Impression Material Pliable impression material is then carefully applied to the maxilla, ensuring that it covers the hard palate and the alveolar ridge. The material must be applied evenly to capture the necessary anatomical details.
Step 3: Setting of Impression Material After the impression material is applied, it is allowed to harden. This setting process is crucial as it allows the material to take on the shape of the maxilla accurately.
Step 4: Removal of Impression Once the impression material has fully set, it is gently removed from the patient's mouth. Care is taken during this step to avoid any distortion of the impression.
Step 5: Preparation for Prosthesis Fabrication The resulting impression serves as a negative mold, which will be used in a separately reportable procedure to fabricate the palatal prosthesis, ensuring a proper fit and function for the patient.

3. Post-Procedure

After the maxillary impression has been taken, there are no specific post-procedure care instructions mentioned. However, it is generally advisable for the patient to maintain good oral hygiene and follow any additional instructions provided by the healthcare professional. The patient may also be informed about the next steps in the process, including the timeline for the fabrication of the palatal prosthesis and any follow-up appointments that may be necessary.

Short Descr	PREPARATION PALATE MOLD
Medium Descr	MAXILLARY IMPRESJ PALATAL PROSTHESIS
Long Descr	Maxillary impression for palatal prosthesis
Status Code	Active Code
Global Days	010 - Minor Procedure
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC)	0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51)	2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50)	0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply.
Physician Supervisions	09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82)	0 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62)	0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Team Surgery (66)	0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family	99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator	Procedure or Service, Multiple Reduction Applies
ASC Payment Indicator	Office-based surgical procedure added to ASC list in CY 2008 or later with MPFS nonfacility PE RVUs; payment based on MPFS nonfacility PE RVUs.
Type of Service (TOS)	2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS)	P6C - Minor procedures - other (Medicare fee schedule)
MUE	1
CCS Clinical Classification	33 - Other OR therapeutic procedures on nose, mouth and pharynx

Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).

This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician