How To Use CPT Code 73590

CPT 73590 is a radiologic examination code for the tibia and fibula, involving two views. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes, and examples of CPT 73590.

1. What is CPT 73590?

CPT 73590 is a medical billing code used for radiologic examinations of the tibia and fibula bones in the lower leg. This code specifically refers to a procedure involving two views of these bones, typically to diagnose fractures, swelling, or other causes of pain in the lower leg area.

2. 73590 CPT code description

The official description of CPT code 73590 is: “Radiologic examination; tibia and fibula, 2 views.”

3. Procedure

The 73590 procedure involves the following steps:

1. The patient is positioned appropriately for the X-ray examination.
2. The X-ray machine is adjusted to target the tibia and fibula bones in the lower leg.
3. The provider takes the first view of the tibia and fibula, capturing the image on film or a computer.
4. The patient’s position is adjusted, and the X-ray machine is repositioned for the second view.
5. The provider takes the second view of the tibia and fibula, capturing the image on film or a computer.
6. The images are reviewed and interpreted by a qualified professional, such as a radiologist.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients who are eligible to receive CPT code 73590 services include those experiencing pain, swelling, or other symptoms in the lower leg area that may indicate a fracture or other issue with the tibia and fibula bones. Additionally, patients with a history of lower leg injuries or conditions may also qualify for this procedure as part of their ongoing care and monitoring.

5. When to use CPT code 73590

It is appropriate to bill the 73590 CPT code when a provider performs a radiologic examination of the tibia and fibula bones, capturing two distinct views of these structures. This code should be used when the examination is medically necessary to diagnose or monitor a patient’s lower leg condition, such as a suspected fracture, swelling, or other cause of pain.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 73590, the provider’s documentation should include the following information:

• A clear description of the patient’s symptoms or medical history that necessitates the radiologic examination.
• Details of the patient’s positioning and the X-ray machine’s settings for each view.
• A description of each view taken, including the projection of the X-ray and any relevant anatomical landmarks.
• The provider’s interpretation of the images, including any findings or diagnoses related to the tibia and fibula bones.

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 73590, keep the following guidelines in mind:

• If reporting only the physician’s interpretation of the radiology service, append professional component modifier 26 to the radiology code.
• If reporting only the technical component of the radiology service, append modifier TC to the radiology code. Note that some payer policies may exempt hospitals from appending modifier TC, as their 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 73590 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code has undergone the following changes:

• Code Changed on 01-01-2001: Radiologic examination; tibia and fibula, anteroposterior and lateral views.
• Code Changed on 01-01-2009: Radiologic examination; tibia and fibula, two views.

9. Similar codes to CPT 73590

Five similar codes to CPT 73590 and how they differentiate are:

1. CPT 73592: This code is for a radiologic examination of the entire lower leg, including the knee, tibia, fibula, and ankle, with a minimum of three views.
2. CPT 73600: This code is for a radiologic examination of the ankle, with two views.
3. CPT 73610: This code is for a radiologic examination of the ankle, with a minimum of three views.
4. CPT 73630: This code is for a radiologic examination of the foot, with two views.
5. CPT 73650: This code is for a radiologic examination of the calcaneus (heel), with two views.

10. Examples

Here are 10 detailed examples of CPT code 73590 procedures:

1. A patient presents with acute pain and swelling in the lower leg after a fall. The provider performs a radiologic examination of the tibia and fibula, capturing two views to assess for fractures.
2. A patient with a history of stress fractures in the tibia and fibula undergoes a routine radiologic examination with two views to monitor their bone health.
3. A patient complains of persistent lower leg pain after a sports injury. The provider performs a radiologic examination of the tibia and fibula, taking two views to evaluate the cause of the pain.
4. A patient with a known tibial plateau fracture undergoes a radiologic examination with two views of the tibia and fibula to assess the healing progress.
5. A patient presents with lower leg pain and a suspected bone infection. The provider performs a radiologic examination of the tibia and fibula, capturing two views to evaluate the extent of the infection.
6. A patient with a history of lower leg surgery undergoes a radiologic examination with two views of the tibia and fibula to monitor the stability of the surgical hardware.
7. A patient with a suspected bone tumor in the lower leg undergoes a radiologic examination with two views of the tibia and fibula to assess the size and location of the tumor.
8. A patient with a known lower leg deformity undergoes a radiologic examination with two views of the tibia and fibula to evaluate the progression of the deformity.
9. A patient with lower leg pain and a suspected compartment syndrome undergoes a radiologic examination with two views of the tibia and fibula to assess for any underlying fractures or other causes of the pain.
10. A patient with a history of osteoporosis undergoes a radiologic examination with two views of the tibia and fibula to monitor their bone density and assess for any fractures or other issues.