How To Use CPT Code 70110

CPT 70110 describes a radiologic examination of the mandible, specifically the lower jaw bone. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 70110?

CPT 70110 is used to describe a radiologic examination of the mandible, which involves taking plain X-rays of the lower jaw bone. The provider obtains a minimum of four views from different angles or projections to diagnose fractures, abnormalities, or to confirm the reduction of a fracture.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 70110 is: ‘Radiologic examination, mandible; complete, minimum of 4 views.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider takes plain X-rays of the mandible, capturing a minimum of four views.
2. The views are obtained from different angles or projections to ensure a comprehensive examination.
3. The X-rays are used to diagnose fractures, abnormalities, or to confirm the reduction of a fracture.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 70110 is used when there is a need to examine the mandible for fractures, abnormalities, or to confirm the reduction of a fracture. The procedure requires a minimum of four views to ensure a complete examination.

5. When to use CPT code 70110

CPT code 70110 should be used when a radiologic examination of the mandible is necessary, and a minimum of four views are obtained. It is important to ensure that the documentation clearly describes each view taken during the examination.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 70110, the provider must document the following information:

• Description of each view taken during the radiologic examination
• Patient’s body position during the examination
• Projection of the X-ray

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 70110, ensure that a minimum of four views are obtained during the radiologic examination of the mandible. It is important to note that billing edits bundle CPT code 70100 (less than 4 views) into CPT code 70110 (4 or more views), and a modifier cannot be used to override this edit. Therefore, if a pre-reduction 3-view mandible X-ray is performed on the same date as a post-reduction 4-view X-ray, only CPT code 70110 may be reported and payable.

8. Historical information

CPT 70110 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code underwent a change on January 1, 2009, with the description being updated to ‘Radiologic examination, mandible; complete, minimum of four views.’

9. Examples

1. A patient presents with a suspected mandible fracture, and the provider performs a radiologic examination obtaining four views to confirm the diagnosis.
2. A patient undergoes reduction of a mandible fracture, and the provider performs a post-reduction radiologic examination, obtaining four views to confirm the successful reduction.
3. A patient with a history of mandible abnormalities undergoes a routine radiologic examination, and the provider obtains four views to monitor any changes or progression of the condition.
4. A patient presents with symptoms of a mandible abnormality, and the provider performs a radiologic examination, obtaining four views to aid in the diagnosis.
5. A patient with a history of mandible fractures undergoes a follow-up radiologic examination, and the provider obtains four views to assess the healing process.