CPT 70320Radiology

Full mouth x-ray of teeth

CPT code 70320 is used for a full mouth x-ray series of teeth, which includes images of all teeth and surrounding bone structures. This comprehensive dental imaging helps dentists detect cavities, bone loss, impacted teeth, and other oral conditions.

Showing rates for

National Average

Base Medicare rate

$52.72

This calculator gives a typical-case estimate using standard Medicare modifier rules. Actual payment depends on payer policies, documentation, code-specific CMS status indicators, and locality. Verify before billing.

RVU breakdown

Work RVU

0.22

PE RVU (NF)

1.39

MP RVU

0.02

Total RVU

1.63

Conversion factor: 32.3465 · Source: CMS MPFS RVU25A · Confidence: High

NCCI bundling edits

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Billing tips

Verify frequency limitations before billing - most payers limit full mouth series to once every 3-5 years unless medical necessity is documented
Impact: Prevents denials worth $52.72 per claim and reduces appeal workload
Document medical necessity clearly when full mouth series is needed sooner than frequency limits, such as extensive caries, periodontal disease progression, or trauma evaluation
Impact: Increases approval rate by 60-80% for services that exceed frequency limits
Do not bill 70320 on the same date as limited oral x-rays (70300) or panoramic x-rays (70355) as these are considered bundled or mutually exclusive
Impact: Prevents automatic denials and potential audit flags for unbundling
Ensure the total number of films taken and anatomical areas covered are documented in the clinical record to support comprehensive nature of exam
Impact: Protects against downcoding to 70300 (limited exam at $38-42) resulting in $10-15 revenue loss
For Medicare patients, append modifier GY when performing routine dental x-rays as Medicare does not cover routine dental care; bill secondary insurance or patient directly
Impact: Ensures proper claim processing and reduces Medicare audit risk
Verify that individual film counts meet payer-specific definitions of full mouth series (typically 14-22 films) versus complete series (4 bitewings) to avoid incorrect coding
Impact: Prevents coding errors that result in $15-20 underpayment when 70274 should be billed instead

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Frequently asked questions

What is the Medicare reimbursement rate for CPT 70320 in 2025?

The 2025 Medicare national average reimbursement rate for CPT 70320 is $52.72 for both facility and non-facility settings. This rate is based on 1.63 total RVUs multiplied by the 2025 conversion factor of 32.3465. Note that Medicare typically does not cover routine dental x-rays, so this code is only reimbursed when linked to a covered medical condition.

How often can you bill CPT 70320 for the same patient?

Most dental insurance payers limit CPT 70320 to once every 3-5 years, with 3 years being most common. Medicare and medical insurance may have different frequency limits or require specific medical necessity documentation. More frequent billing requires clear documentation of medical necessity such as extensive new pathology, trauma, or significant treatment planning needs.

What is the difference between CPT 70320 and 70355?

CPT 70320 is a full mouth intraoral radiographic series consisting of multiple individual periapical and bitewing films (14-22 images), while CPT 70355 is a single panoramic radiograph (orthopantogram) showing all teeth and jaws in one image. These codes are generally mutually exclusive when billed on the same date and serve different diagnostic purposes.

Does Medicare cover CPT code 70320?

Medicare does not cover routine dental x-rays including CPT 70320 when performed as part of preventive or routine dental care. However, Medicare may cover this code when the imaging is medically necessary for evaluation of trauma, jaw pathology, infection, or pre-operative planning for a covered surgical procedure. Modifier GY should be appended for routine dental services.

Can you bill CPT 70320 and 70300 together?

No, CPT 70320 (full mouth series) and 70300 (limited oral x-rays) should not be billed together on the same date of service. The full mouth series is comprehensive and includes all areas that would be captured in a limited exam, making concurrent billing inappropriate unbundling. Bill only the code that accurately represents the complete service provided.

What are the RVU values for CPT 70320 in 2025?

For 2025, CPT 70320 has a Work RVU of 0.22, Practice Expense RVU of 1.39 (both facility and non-facility), and Malpractice RVU of 0.02, totaling 1.63 RVUs. These values are from the CMS Medicare Physician Fee Schedule RVU25A released December 23, 2024.

What documentation is required to bill CPT 70320?

Required documentation includes the number of individual films taken (typically 14-22), anatomical areas covered, clinical indication for the comprehensive imaging, interpretation of findings, date of any previous full mouth series, and medical necessity justification especially if frequency limits apply. The clinical record should clearly support that a comprehensive rather than limited examination was performed.