How To Use CPT Code 73502

CPT 73502 is a diagnostic radiologic examination code for a unilateral hip with pelvis when performed, involving 2-3 views. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes, and examples of CPT 73502 procedures.

1. What is CPT 73502?

CPT 73502 is a diagnostic radiologic examination code used for the evaluation of a patient’s hip and pelvis, when performed, through 2-3 views. This code is specifically used for unilateral hip examinations, meaning only one hip is examined during the procedure. The purpose of this examination is to diagnose, manage, and treat various conditions affecting the hip and pelvis, such as fractures, swelling, or other sources of pain.

2. 73502 CPT code description

The official description of CPT code 73502 is: “Radiologic examination, hip, unilateral, with pelvis when performed; 2-3 views.”

3. Procedure

1. The patient is positioned on an X-ray table.
2. The provider takes 2-3 X-ray images of the unilateral hip, which may include the entire pelvis, from different directions (projections).
3. The images are then reviewed and interpreted by the provider to diagnose any abnormalities or issues related to the hip and pelvis.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients who are eligible to receive CPT code 73502 services are those experiencing pain, swelling, or other symptoms in the hip area that require further investigation. This may include patients with a history of hip or pelvic injuries, those with chronic hip pain, or individuals with suspected hip or pelvic abnormalities. The provider must determine if the unilateral hip examination is medically necessary based on the patient’s symptoms and medical history.

5. When to use CPT code 73502

It is appropriate to bill the 73502 CPT code when a provider performs a diagnostic radiologic examination of a unilateral hip, with pelvis when performed, involving 2-3 views. This code should be used when the examination is medically necessary and the provider has determined that a unilateral hip examination is the most appropriate course of action based on the patient’s symptoms and medical history.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 73502, the provider must document the following information:

• The patient’s symptoms and medical history that justify the need for the examination.
• The specific views taken during the examination, including the patient’s body position and projection of the X-ray.
• The provider’s interpretation of the X-ray images, including any findings or diagnoses related to the hip and pelvis.

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 73502, keep the following guidelines in mind:

• Append professional component modifier 26 to the radiology code if reporting only the physician’s interpretation for the radiology service.
• Append modifier TC to the radiology code if reporting only the technical component for the radiology service. Note that payer policy may exempt hospitals from appending modifier TC because 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 73502 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2016. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Similar codes to CPT 73502

Five similar codes to CPT 73502 and how they differentiate are:

• CPT 73501: This code is used for one view of a single hip bone.
• CPT 73503: This code is used for at least four views of a single hip bone.
• CPT 73521: This code is used for two views of both hip bones.
• CPT 73522: This code is used for three or four views of both hip bones.
• CPT 73523: This code is used for at least five views of both hip bones.

10. Examples

Here are 10 detailed examples of CPT code 73502 procedures:

1. A patient with a history of hip pain presents with worsening symptoms. The provider performs a unilateral hip examination with 2 views, including the pelvis.
2. A patient with a suspected hip fracture undergoes a 3-view unilateral hip examination, including the pelvis, to confirm the diagnosis.
3. A patient with chronic hip pain undergoes a 2-view unilateral hip examination, including the pelvis, to evaluate the cause of the pain.
4. A patient with a history of hip dislocation undergoes a 3-view unilateral hip examination, including the pelvis, to assess the stability of the joint.
5. A patient with suspected hip arthritis undergoes a 2-view unilateral hip examination, including the pelvis, to evaluate the joint space and bone structure.
6. A patient with a history of hip surgery undergoes a 3-view unilateral hip examination, including the pelvis, to assess the healing process and hardware placement.
7. A patient with a suspected hip labral tear undergoes a 2-view unilateral hip examination, including the pelvis, to evaluate the joint and surrounding structures.
8. A patient with a history of hip bursitis undergoes a 3-view unilateral hip examination, including the pelvis, to assess the inflammation and surrounding structures.
9. A patient with a suspected hip impingement undergoes a 2-view unilateral hip examination, including the pelvis, to evaluate the joint and bone morphology.
10. A patient with a history of hip osteonecrosis undergoes a 3-view unilateral hip examination, including the pelvis, to assess the bone integrity and joint space.