How To Use CPT Code 73110

CPT 73110 is a radiologic examination code for a complete wrist X-ray with a minimum of three views. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes, and examples of CPT 73110 procedures.

1. What is CPT 73110?

CPT 73110 is a medical billing code used to describe a radiologic examination of the wrist, which involves taking a minimum of three X-ray views of the patient’s complete wrist. This examination is typically performed to diagnose fractures, swelling, or other causes of pain in the wrist area.

2. 73110 CPT code description

The official description of CPT code 73110 is: “Radiologic examination, wrist; complete, minimum of 3 views.”

3. Procedure

The 73110 procedure involves the following steps:

1. The patient is positioned appropriately for the X-ray examination.
2. The X-ray machine is adjusted to focus on the patient’s wrist.
3. A minimum of three X-ray images are taken, which may include posteroanterior, lateral, and oblique views.
4. The images are recorded on special film or digital format for further analysis.
5. The radiologist interprets the images to diagnose any abnormalities or injuries in the wrist area.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients who are eligible to receive CPT code 73110 services include those experiencing wrist pain, swelling, or other symptoms that may indicate a fracture or injury. Additionally, patients with a history of wrist injuries or conditions may also require this examination as part of their ongoing care and treatment plan.

5. When to use CPT code 73110

It is appropriate to bill the 73110 CPT code when a patient requires a complete radiologic examination of the wrist with a minimum of three views. This may be due to acute symptoms, such as pain or swelling, or as part of a follow-up evaluation for a previously diagnosed wrist condition.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 73110, the following information should be documented:

• Patient’s medical history and presenting symptoms
• Physical examination findings related to the wrist
• Indication for the radiologic examination
• Details of the X-ray procedure, including the number of views taken and the patient’s positioning
• Radiologist’s interpretation of the images and any identified abnormalities or injuries
• Treatment plan or recommendations based on the examination findings

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 73110, it is important to follow the appropriate guidelines and rules. If only the physician’s interpretation of the radiology service is being reported, modifier 26 should be appended to the radiology code. If only the technical component of the service is being reported, modifier TC should be appended. However, some payer policies may exempt hospitals from appending modifier TC, as their portion is inherently technical. Do not append a professional or technical modifier when reporting a global service in which one provider renders both components.

8. Historical information

CPT 73110 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code was changed on January 1, 2009, with the previous descriptor being “Radiologic examination, wrist; complete, minimum of three views.”

9. Similar codes to CPT 73110

Five similar codes to CPT 73110 and how they differ are:

1. CPT 73100: This code is used for a radiologic examination of the wrist with only two views, rather than the minimum of three views required for CPT 73110.
2. CPT 73090: This code is for a radiologic examination of the forearm, rather than the wrist.
3. CPT 73080: This code is for a radiologic examination of the elbow, not the wrist.
4. CPT 73130: This code is for a radiologic examination of the hand, which is a different anatomical area than the wrist.
5. CPT 73140: This code is for a radiologic examination of a single finger, not the entire wrist.

10. Examples

Here are 10 detailed examples of CPT code 73110 procedures:

1. A patient presents with acute wrist pain and swelling after a fall, and the provider orders a complete wrist X-ray with three views to assess for fractures.
2. A patient with a history of wrist arthritis experiences increased pain and stiffness, prompting the provider to order a complete wrist X-ray with three views to evaluate the progression of the condition.
3. A patient who recently underwent wrist surgery requires a follow-up X-ray with three views to assess proper healing and alignment of the bones.
4. A patient with a suspected wrist infection undergoes a complete wrist X-ray with three views to evaluate for bone involvement.
5. A patient with a known wrist tumor requires a complete wrist X-ray with three views to monitor the size and extent of the lesion.
6. A patient with a history of wrist dislocations presents with new pain and instability, prompting the provider to order a complete wrist X-ray with three views to assess for any new injuries.
7. A patient with wrist pain and a positive physical examination finding for carpal tunnel syndrome undergoes a complete wrist X-ray with three views to rule out other potential causes of their symptoms.
8. A patient with a suspected ganglion cyst on the wrist requires a complete wrist X-ray with three views to evaluate the underlying bone structure.
9. A patient with a history of wrist fractures presents with new pain after a minor trauma, and the provider orders a complete wrist X-ray with three views to assess for any new injuries.
10. A patient with chronic wrist pain and a negative response to conservative treatment undergoes a complete wrist X-ray with three views to further evaluate the cause of their symptoms.