How To Use CPT Code 70140

CPT 70140 describes a radiologic examination of the facial bones using less than three views. 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 70140?

CPT 70140 is used to describe a radiologic examination of the facial bones using fewer than three views. This code is used when a healthcare provider performs an X-ray exam to determine if the patient has sustained facial fractures or any other abnormalities. The preferred examination includes the acquisition of Waters, or occipitomental, PA, or lateral views or projections.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 70140 is: ‘Radiologic examination, facial bones; less than three views.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider performs a plain X-ray exam of the facial bones using fewer than three views.
2. The X-ray exam helps diagnose facial fractures or other abnormalities.
3. The preferred examination includes acquiring Waters, or occipitomental, PA, or lateral views or projections.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 70140 is used when a healthcare provider performs a radiologic examination of the facial bones using fewer than three views. This procedure is typically done to diagnose fractures or injuries in the facial bones. The facial bones include vomer, conchae, nasal, maxilla, mandible, palatine, zygomatic, and lacrimal bones.

5. When to use CPT code 70140

CPT code 70140 should be used when a healthcare provider performs a radiologic examination of the facial bones using fewer than three views. This code should not be used if the provider performs three or more views, in which case CPT code 70150 should be reported instead.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 70140, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

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

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 70140, ensure that the healthcare provider performs a radiologic examination of the facial bones using fewer than three views. Modifier 51 should not be appended to this code. If the provider performs three or more views, report CPT code 70150 instead. It is important to accurately document the number of views taken and the patient’s body position and projection of the X-ray.

8. Historical information

CPT 70140 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. On January 1, 2009, the code description was changed to ‘Radiologic examination, facial bones; less than three views.’

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider performs a radiologic examination of the facial bones using two views to diagnose a suspected fracture in a patient involved in a car accident.
2. A patient presents with facial pain, and a healthcare provider performs a radiologic examination of the facial bones using a lateral view to determine the cause of the pain.
3. A healthcare provider performs a radiologic examination of the facial bones using a Waters view to diagnose sinusitis in a patient with chronic sinus problems.
4. A patient sustains a facial injury during a sports activity, and a healthcare provider performs a radiologic examination of the facial bones using a PA view to assess for fractures.
5. A healthcare provider performs a radiologic examination of the facial bones using a lateral view to evaluate a patient with a history of facial trauma and ongoing pain.
6. A patient presents with facial swelling, and a healthcare provider performs a radiologic examination of the facial bones using a Waters view to assess for any abnormalities.
7. A healthcare provider performs a radiologic examination of the facial bones using a lateral view to evaluate a patient with a suspected fracture after a fall.
8. A patient complains of difficulty breathing, and a healthcare provider performs a radiologic examination of the facial bones using a PA view to assess for any obstructions or abnormalities.
9. A healthcare provider performs a radiologic examination of the facial bones using a Waters view to evaluate a patient with chronic sinusitis and recurring symptoms.
10. A patient presents with facial asymmetry, and a healthcare provider performs a radiologic examination of the facial bones using a lateral view to assess for any structural abnormalities.