How To Use CPT Code 73723

CPT 73723 refers to a diagnostic procedure involving magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of a lower extremity joint, performed without contrast material initially and then with contrast material for further sequences. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes, and examples of CPT code 73723.

1. What is CPT 73723?

CPT 73723 is a diagnostic procedure code used for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of any joint in the lower extremity. The procedure is performed without contrast material initially, followed by the injection of contrast material for further sequences. This code is used to report the service provided by healthcare professionals when performing an MRI of a lower extremity joint to diagnose, manage, and treat various medical conditions.

2. 73723 CPT code description

The official description of CPT code 73723 is: “Magnetic resonance (eg, proton) imaging, any joint of lower extremity; without contrast material(s), followed by contrast material(s) and further sequences.”

3. Procedure

The 73723 procedure involves the following steps:

  1. The patient is positioned on the scanning table.
  2. The scanning table slides the patient’s lower extremity joint into the MRI scanner, which generates a strong magnetic field.
  3. The patient is instructed to hold their breath and remain still while the machine captures images without contrast material.
  4. Contrast material is then injected into the patient’s body to enhance image quality.
  5. The MRI scanner captures additional images with the contrast material.
  6. The radiology provider reviews the images, performs a diagnostic interpretation, and prepares a written report of their findings.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible to receive CPT code 73723 services are those who require an MRI of a lower extremity joint for diagnostic purposes. This may include patients with joint pain, swelling, or limited range of motion, as well as those with suspected joint injuries or diseases. The healthcare provider must determine that an MRI with contrast material is necessary for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

5. When to use CPT code 73723

CPT code 73723 should be used when a healthcare provider performs an MRI of a lower extremity joint without contrast material initially, followed by the injection of contrast material for further sequences. This code is appropriate when the provider determines that the use of contrast material is necessary for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 73723, the following information should be documented:

  • Medical necessity for the MRI of the lower extremity joint
  • Reason for using contrast material
  • Specific joint being examined
  • Procedure details, including the use of contrast material and the number of sequences performed
  • Radiology provider’s diagnostic interpretation and written report

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 73723, it is essential to follow payer-specific guidelines and rules. Some tips for billing this code include:

  • Ensure that the codes billed match the ordered and pre-certified services
  • Append professional component modifier 26 when reporting only the physician’s interpretation of the radiology service
  • Append technical component modifier TC when reporting only the technical component of the radiology service, unless exempted by payer policy
  • Do not append professional or technical modifiers when reporting a global service in which one provider renders both components

8. Historical information

CPT 73723 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2001. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Similar codes to CPT 73723

Five similar codes to CPT 73723 and how they differ are:

  • CPT 73721: MRI of any lower extremity joint without contrast material
  • CPT 73722: MRI of any lower extremity joint with contrast material
  • CPT 73718: MRI of the lower extremity, other than a joint, without contrast material
  • CPT 73719: MRI of the lower extremity, other than a joint, with contrast material
  • CPT 73720: MRI of the lower extremity, other than a joint, without contrast material initially, followed by contrast material and further sequences

10. Examples

Here are 10 detailed examples of CPT code 73723 procedures:

  1. MRI of the left knee without contrast material, followed by contrast material and further sequences to diagnose a suspected meniscal tear
  2. MRI of the right ankle without contrast material, followed by contrast material and further sequences to evaluate chronic pain and swelling
  3. MRI of the left hip without contrast material, followed by contrast material and further sequences to assess for osteoarthritis
  4. MRI of the right knee without contrast material, followed by contrast material and further sequences to investigate a possible ligament injury
  5. MRI of the left ankle without contrast material, followed by contrast material and further sequences to evaluate a suspected fracture
  6. MRI of the right hip without contrast material, followed by contrast material and further sequences to assess for avascular necrosis
  7. MRI of the left knee without contrast material, followed by contrast material and further sequences to evaluate patellar tracking abnormalities
  8. MRI of the right ankle without contrast material, followed by contrast material and further sequences to investigate a possible tendon injury
  9. MRI of the left hip without contrast material, followed by contrast material and further sequences to assess for labral tears
  10. MRI of the right knee without contrast material, followed by contrast material and further sequences to evaluate joint effusion and synovitis

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