The exact numeric identifier for a treatment in ADA nomenclature is called the

• A. Procedure number
• B. Encounter
• C. Co-payment
• D. Explanation of benefits

Answer: (A)

In dental coding, each treatment is tied to a specific numeric identifier that uniquely represents it for documentation and billing. This exact numeric identifier is referred to as the procedure number. It serves as the precise reference on patient records and claim forms, letting offices and payers communicate clearly about what was performed. The other terms describe different aspects of the process: an encounter is the visit itself; a co-payment is the amount the patient pays at the time of service; an explanation of benefits is the insurer’s statement about coverage. So the procedure number is the term that best denotes the numeric code used to identify a specific treatment in ADA nomenclature.