How To Use CPT Code 73140

CPT 73140 is a diagnostic radiologic examination code for finger(s) with a minimum of two views. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, when to use the code, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes, and examples of CPT 73140 procedures.

1. What is CPT 73140?

CPT 73140 is a diagnostic radiologic examination code used for the evaluation of one or more fingers using a minimum of two views. This code is utilized by medical professionals to accurately document and bill for the specific diagnostic procedure performed on a patient’s finger(s).

2. 73140 CPT code description

The official description of CPT code 73140 is: “Radiologic examination, finger(s), minimum of 2 views.”

3. Procedure

The 73140 procedure involves the following steps:

  1. The patient’s hand is positioned appropriately on an X-ray table.
  2. A beam of radiation is passed through the fingers to create radiographic images.
  3. A minimum of two views are taken, such as posteroanterior (PA), lateral, and oblique views.
  4. The radiologist interprets the images to diagnose, manage, or treat the patient’s condition.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible to receive CPT code 73140 services are those who present with symptoms or conditions that warrant a diagnostic radiologic examination of their finger(s). These may include, but are not limited to, suspected fractures, dislocations, infections, or other abnormalities affecting the finger(s).

5. When to use CPT code 73140

It is appropriate to bill the 73140 CPT code when a diagnostic radiologic examination of one or more fingers is performed using a minimum of two views. This code should be used to accurately document and bill for the specific diagnostic procedure performed on a patient’s finger(s).

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 73140, the following information should be documented:

  • Patient’s medical history and presenting symptoms or conditions.
  • Indication for the radiologic examination.
  • Number of views taken during the examination.
  • Radiologist’s interpretation of the images, including any findings and diagnoses.
  • Any recommendations for further evaluation or treatment.

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 73140, it is important to follow the appropriate guidelines and rules. If only the physician’s interpretation of the radiology service is being reported, professional component modifier 26 should be appended to the radiology code. If only the technical component of the radiology service is being reported, modifier TC should be appended to the radiology code. However, payer policy may exempt hospitals from appending modifier TC, as the hospital’s portion is inherently technical. 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.

8. Historical information

CPT 73140 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, finger(s), minimum of two views.”

9. Similar codes to CPT 73140

Five similar codes to CPT 73140 and how they differentiate are:

  • CPT 73130: This code is for a radiologic examination of the hand with a minimum of three views, as opposed to finger(s) with a minimum of two views.
  • CPT 73100: This code is for a radiologic examination of the wrist with a minimum of two views, focusing on the wrist joint rather than the finger(s).
  • CPT 73090: This code is for a radiologic examination of the forearm with a minimum of two views, examining the forearm rather than the finger(s).
  • CPT 73080: This code is for a radiologic examination of the elbow with a minimum of three views, focusing on the elbow joint instead of the finger(s).
  • CPT 73070: This code is for a radiologic examination of the humerus with a minimum of two views, examining the upper arm bone rather than the finger(s).

10. Examples

Here are 10 detailed examples of CPT code 73140 procedures:

  1. A patient presents with a suspected fracture of the index finger after a sports injury. CPT 73140 is billed for the radiologic examination of the finger with two views.
  2. A patient with a history of rheumatoid arthritis experiences increased pain and swelling in multiple fingers. CPT 73140 is billed for the radiologic examination of the affected fingers with two views.
  3. A patient presents with a suspected dislocation of the middle finger after a fall. CPT 73140 is billed for the radiologic examination of the finger with two views.
  4. A patient experiences persistent pain and stiffness in the ring finger without a known cause. CPT 73140 is billed for the radiologic examination of the finger with two views to evaluate for possible joint abnormalities.
  5. A patient presents with signs of infection in the little finger after a puncture wound. CPT 73140 is billed for the radiologic examination of the finger with two views to assess for possible bone involvement.
  6. A patient with a history of osteoarthritis experiences worsening pain and deformity in multiple fingers. CPT 73140 is billed for the radiologic examination of the affected fingers with two views.
  7. A patient presents with a suspected fracture of the thumb after a crush injury. CPT 73140 is billed for the radiologic examination of the thumb with two views.
  8. A patient experiences unexplained swelling and redness in the index finger. CPT 73140 is billed for the radiologic examination of the finger with two views to evaluate for possible inflammatory or infectious causes.
  9. A patient presents with a suspected foreign body in the middle finger after an accident. CPT 73140 is billed for the radiologic examination of the finger with two views to locate the foreign body.
  10. A patient with a history of gout experiences a sudden onset of severe pain and swelling in the little finger. CPT 73140 is billed for the radiologic examination of the finger with two views to assess for possible gouty involvement.

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