How To Use CPT Code 70120

CPT 70120 describes a radiologic examination of the mastoids, involving less than 3 views per side. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 70120?

CPT 70120 can be used to describe a radiologic examination of the mastoids, where the provider takes plain X-rays of the mastoid cavity using fewer than 3 views per side. This procedure is performed to help diagnose mastoiditis, vertiginous syndromes, disorders of the vestibular system, or any swelling, mass, or lump in the head or neck.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 70120 is: ‘Radiologic examination, mastoids; less than 3 views per side.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider takes plain X-rays of the mastoid cavity, using 1 or 2 projections unilaterally or on one side.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 70120 is used when a radiologic examination of the mastoids is necessary. This procedure is performed to diagnose conditions such as mastoiditis, vertiginous syndromes, disorders of the vestibular system, or any swelling, mass, or lump in the head or neck. It is important to note that this code is specific to examinations with less than 3 views per side.

5. When to use CPT code 70120

CPT code 70120 should be used when a provider performs a radiologic examination of the mastoids using fewer than 3 views per side. It is important to ensure that the documentation clearly describes each view taken in the radiology service and includes the patient’s body position and projection of the X-ray to assign the correct number of views.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 70120, the provider must document the following information:

• Reason for the radiologic examination
• Number of views taken per side
• Date and time of the procedure
• Specific findings or abnormalities observed, if any
• Signature of the provider performing the examination

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 70120, ensure that the provider performs a radiologic examination of the mastoids using fewer than 3 views per side. It is important to follow the payer’s preference for reporting the procedure bilaterally, either by reporting the code twice with modifier 50 appended to the second code or as a single line item with modifier 50 appended. It is also important to review the payer’s guidelines for any additional billing requirements or considerations.

8. Historical information

CPT 70120 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There was a code change on January 1, 2009, where the description was updated to ‘Radiologic examination, mastoids; less than three views per side.’

9. Examples

1. A patient presents with symptoms of mastoiditis, and the provider performs a radiologic examination of the mastoids using 2 views per side.
2. A patient complains of vertigo, and the provider orders a radiologic examination of the mastoids using 1 view per side to assess the vestibular system.
3. A patient has a swelling in the neck, and the provider performs a radiologic examination of the mastoids using 2 views per side to evaluate any potential abnormalities.
4. A patient with a history of vertiginous syndromes undergoes a radiologic examination of the mastoids using 1 view per side to monitor the condition of the vestibular system.
5. A patient presents with a lump in the head, and the provider orders a radiologic examination of the mastoids using 2 views per side to investigate the cause of the lump.
6. A patient complains of dizziness, and the provider performs a radiologic examination of the mastoids using 1 view per side to assess the vestibular system.
7. A patient has a mass in the neck, and the provider orders a radiologic examination of the mastoids using 2 views per side to determine the nature of the mass.
8. A patient with a history of vertiginous syndromes undergoes a radiologic examination of the mastoids using 1 view per side to monitor the condition of the vestibular system.
9. A patient presents with a lump in the head, and the provider performs a radiologic examination of the mastoids using 2 views per side to investigate the cause of the lump.
10. A patient complains of dizziness, and the provider orders a radiologic examination of the mastoids using 1 view per side to assess the vestibular system.