How To Use CPT Code 0348T

CPT 0348T describes the radiologic examination known as radiostereometric analysis (RSA) for the spine. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples of CPT code 0348T.

1. What is CPT Code 0348T?

CPT 0348T is used to describe a radiologic examination called radiostereometric analysis (RSA) for the spine. This procedure involves the interpretation of two-dimensional images of the spine, including the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral vertebrae. The purpose of this analysis is to assess the motion, quality, and wear of an implant or prosthesis with the assistance of previously placed tantalum markers.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 0348T is: ‘Radiologic examination, radiostereometric analysis (RSA); spine, (includes cervical, thoracic and lumbosacral, when performed).’ This code encompasses the analysis of the spine, including the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral vertebrae, using radiostereometric analysis (RSA) technique.

3. Procedure

1. The provider exposes the area containing the previously placed tantalum markers in the interstitial tissues of the spine to a pair of X-rays.
2. A special device frames the area and ensures that the images correspond to the exact same projection as the previous images.
3. The provider compares the new images with the previous studies to identify any alterations in the position or condition of the implant or prosthesis.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT code 0348T is applicable when the provider performs radiostereometric analysis (RSA) for the spine, including the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral vertebrae. This analysis is conducted to assess the motion, quality, and wear of an implant or prosthesis. The procedure involves the use of previously placed tantalum markers in the interstitial tissues of the spine.

5. When to use CPT code 0348T

CPT code 0348T should be used when the provider performs radiostereometric analysis (RSA) for the spine, including the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral vertebrae. This code is appropriate when assessing the motion, quality, and wear of an implant or prosthesis using previously placed tantalum markers.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 0348T, the provider must document the following information:

• Details of the radiostereometric analysis (RSA) procedure performed
• Specific vertebrae included in the analysis (cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and/or sacral)
• Presence and placement of tantalum markers
• Date of the examination
• Comparison with previous studies and any identified alterations in the position or condition of the implant or prosthesis

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 0348T, ensure that the provider performs radiostereometric analysis (RSA) for the spine, including the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral vertebrae. It is important to follow the specific guidelines for reporting this code and to consider any additional tips provided by the payer or coding guidelines.

8. Historical information

CPT code 0348T was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2015. There have been no updates or changes to this code since its addition.

9. Examples

Here are some examples of scenarios where CPT code 0348T may be used:

1. A patient with a spinal implant undergoes radiostereometric analysis (RSA) to assess the motion and wear of the implant in the cervical vertebrae.
2. A postoperative patient with a lumbar prosthesis undergoes radiostereometric analysis (RSA) to evaluate the quality and position of the prosthesis.
3. A patient with a history of spinal fusion undergoes radiostereometric analysis (RSA) to monitor the motion and condition of the fusion site in the thoracic vertebrae.
4. An individual with a sacral implant undergoes radiostereometric analysis (RSA) to assess the wear and position of the implant.
5. A patient with multiple spinal implants undergoes radiostereometric analysis (RSA) to evaluate the motion, quality, and wear of the implants in the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral vertebrae.