How To Use CPT Code 73130

CPT 73130 is a radiologic examination code for the hand, requiring a minimum of three views. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes, and examples of CPT 73130 procedures.

1. What is CPT 73130?

CPT 73130 is a medical billing code used to describe a radiologic examination of the hand, which requires a minimum of three views. This code is used by medical professionals to bill for the service of taking and interpreting X-ray images of a patient’s hand to diagnose and treat various conditions.

2. 73130 CPT code description

The official description of CPT code 73130 is: “Radiologic examination, hand; minimum of 3 views.”

3. Procedure

The 73130 CPT code procedure involves the following steps:

  1. The patient’s hand is positioned appropriately for the X-ray examination.
  2. A minimum of three X-ray images are taken from different angles, such as posteroanterior, lateral, and oblique views.
  3. The X-ray images are recorded on special film or digital format.
  4. The radiologist interprets the images to diagnose any fractures, swelling, or other issues in the hand.
  5. A report is generated detailing the findings of the examination.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients who are eligible to receive CPT code 73130 services include those experiencing pain, swelling, or other symptoms in the hand that require further investigation. This may include patients with suspected fractures, dislocations, infections, or other conditions affecting the bones and soft tissues of the hand.

5. When to use CPT code 73130

It is appropriate to bill the 73130 CPT code when a minimum of three views of the hand are required for a radiologic examination. This may be necessary when the provider needs to thoroughly assess the hand’s bones and soft tissues to diagnose and treat various conditions.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 73130, the following information should be documented:

  • Patient’s medical history and presenting symptoms
  • Physical examination findings
  • Rationale for ordering the radiologic examination
  • Number of views taken and the specific angles used
  • Radiologist’s interpretation of the images and any relevant findings
  • Treatment plan based on the examination results

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 73130, keep in mind the following guidelines:

  • Append modifier 26 to the radiology code if reporting only the physician’s interpretation of the radiology service.
  • Append modifier TC to the radiology code if reporting only the technical component of the radiology service. Note that some payer policies may exempt hospitals from appending modifier TC.
  • Do not append a professional or technical modifier to the radiology code when reporting a global service in which one provider renders both the professional and technical components.
  • Ensure the provider’s documentation clearly describes each view taken in the radiology service, including the patient’s body position and projection of the X-ray.

8. Historical information

CPT 73130 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, hand; minimum of three views.”

9. Similar codes to CPT 73130

Five similar codes to CPT 73130 and how they differ are:

  • CPT 73120: This code is used for a radiologic examination of the hand with only two views.
  • CPT 73140: This code is used for a radiologic examination of a single finger, with a minimum of two views.
  • CPT 73060: This code is used for a radiologic examination of the humerus, with a minimum of two views.
  • CPT 73070: This code is used for a radiologic examination of the elbow, with a minimum of two views.
  • CPT 73080: This code is used for a radiologic examination of the forearm, with a minimum of two views.

10. Examples

Here are 10 detailed examples of CPT code 73130 procedures:

  1. A patient presents with pain and swelling in the hand after a fall. The provider orders a radiologic examination with three views to assess for fractures.
  2. A patient with a history of rheumatoid arthritis experiences increased pain and stiffness in the hand. The provider orders a radiologic examination with three views to evaluate joint damage.
  3. A patient presents with a suspected infection in the hand. The provider orders a radiologic examination with three views to assess for any bone involvement.
  4. A patient with a history of carpal tunnel syndrome experiences worsening symptoms. The provider orders a radiologic examination with three views to evaluate the carpal bones and surrounding structures.
  5. A patient presents with a suspected dislocation of a finger joint. The provider orders a radiologic examination with three views to confirm the diagnosis and plan treatment.
  6. A patient with a history of osteoporosis experiences sudden onset of hand pain. The provider orders a radiologic examination with three views to assess for possible fractures.
  7. A patient presents with a suspected foreign body in the hand. The provider orders a radiologic examination with three views to locate the foreign body and plan its removal.
  8. A patient with a history of gout experiences a flare-up in the hand. The provider orders a radiologic examination with three views to assess for joint damage and tophi formation.
  9. A patient presents with unexplained hand pain and swelling. The provider orders a radiologic examination with three views to rule out any underlying bone or soft tissue abnormalities.
  10. A patient with a history of hand surgery experiences new onset of pain and instability in the hand. The provider orders a radiologic examination with three views to assess the surgical site and surrounding structures.

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