How To Use CPT Code 73700

CPT 73700 refers to a computed tomography (CT) scan of the lower extremity without contrast material. 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 73700 procedures.

1. What is CPT 73700?

CPT 73700 is a medical billing code used to describe a computed tomography (CT) scan of a patient’s lower extremity without the use of contrast material. This diagnostic imaging procedure is performed to identify fractures, diseases, or other abnormalities in the lower extremity, such as the leg, ankle, or foot.

2. 73700 CPT code description

The official description of CPT code 73700 is: “Computed tomography, lower extremity; without contrast material.”

3. Procedure

1. The patient is positioned on the scanner table, and sedation may be administered if necessary.
2. The patient is instructed to remain motionless during the procedure.
3. The provider supervises the image acquisition while the scanner moves around the body and takes pictures of the patient’s lower extremity.
4. Cross-sectional images of the lower extremity are obtained and displayed on the monitor screen.
5. The radiology provider reviews the images, performs an analysis, and interprets the results.
6. A report of the findings is prepared by the provider.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients who are eligible to receive CPT code 73700 services are those who require a diagnostic imaging procedure to evaluate their lower extremity for fractures, diseases, or other abnormalities. This may include patients with symptoms such as pain, swelling, or limited mobility in the lower extremity, as well as those with a history of trauma or injury to the area. Additionally, patients with known or suspected lower extremity conditions, such as tumors, infections, or vascular disorders, may also be eligible for this procedure.

5. When to use CPT code 73700

It is appropriate to bill the 73700 CPT code when a provider performs a CT scan of the lower extremity without contrast material for diagnostic purposes. This may be done to evaluate the patient’s symptoms, confirm a diagnosis, or monitor the progress of a known condition. The code should not be used for CT scans performed with contrast material or for scans of other body parts.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 73700, the following information should be documented:

• Patient’s medical history and presenting symptoms
• Physical examination findings related to the lower extremity
• Indication for the CT scan, including the clinical question being addressed
• Details of the procedure, including patient positioning, sedation (if used), and image acquisition
• Radiology provider’s interpretation of the images and report of findings

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 73700, keep in mind the following guidelines and tips:

• For CT scans of the lower extremity with contrast, use CPT code 73701.
• For CT scans of the lower extremity first without contrast followed by contrast instillation and further tomographic sections, use CPT code 73702.
• Append professional component modifier 26 to the radiology code when reporting only the physician’s interpretation for the radiology service.
• Append modifier TC to the radiology code when 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 73700 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code was changed on January 1, 2003, from “Computerized axial tomography, lower extremity; without contrast material” to its current description.

9. Similar codes to CPT 73700

Five similar codes to CPT 73700 and how they differ are:

• CPT 73701: This code is for a CT scan of the lower extremity with contrast material.
• CPT 73702: This code is for a CT scan of the lower extremity first without contrast, followed by contrast instillation and further tomographic sections.
• CPT 73706: This code is for a CT angiography of the lower extremity with contrast material, including image post-processing.
• CPT 73200: This code is for a CT scan of the upper extremity without contrast material.
• CPT 73201: This code is for a CT scan of the upper extremity with contrast material.

10. Examples

Here are 10 detailed examples of CPT code 73700 procedures:

1. A patient with a suspected tibial fracture after a fall.
2. A patient with chronic leg pain and swelling, possibly due to deep vein thrombosis.
3. A patient with a history of osteomyelitis in the lower extremity, requiring follow-up imaging.
4. A patient with a suspected ankle fracture after a sports injury.
5. A patient with a known tumor in the lower extremity, requiring monitoring of tumor size and progression.
6. A patient with a suspected stress fracture in the foot due to overuse.
7. A patient with a history of peripheral vascular disease, requiring evaluation of lower extremity blood flow.
8. A patient with a suspected compartment syndrome in the lower leg.
9. A patient with a history of lower extremity cellulitis, requiring evaluation for possible abscess formation.
10. A patient with a suspected foreign body in the lower extremity after stepping on a sharp object.