How To Use CPT Code 70160

CPT 70160 describes the radiologic examination of the nasal bones, with a minimum of three views, to diagnose a nasal fracture or septal deformity. 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 70160?

CPT 70160 can be used to describe the radiologic examination of the nasal bones, with a minimum of three views, to diagnose a nasal fracture or septal deformity. This code is used when a healthcare provider performs a plain X-ray exam of the nasal bones to assess any fractures or deformities in the nasal area.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 70160 is: ‘Radiologic examination, nasal bones, complete, minimum of three views.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider performs a plain X-ray exam of the nasal bones, using a minimum of three views.
2. The preferred examination includes the acquisition of Waters, or occipitomental, PA, and lateral nasal views or projections.
3. The X-ray beam travels from back to front in the posteroanterior, or PA, view.
4. The lateral view is taken with the side of the part being X-rayed next to the film.
5. The provider assesses the X-ray images to diagnose any nasal fractures or septal deformities.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 70160 is used when a patient requires a radiologic examination of the nasal bones to diagnose a nasal fracture or septal deformity. This procedure is typically performed when a patient presents with symptoms or signs of a nasal injury or deformity, such as nasal pain, swelling, or difficulty breathing. The healthcare provider must use a minimum of three views to ensure a comprehensive assessment of the nasal bones.

5. When to use CPT code 70160

CPT code 70160 should be used when a healthcare provider performs a radiologic examination of the nasal bones, using a minimum of three views, to diagnose a nasal fracture or septal deformity. It is important to note that this code is specific to the examination of the nasal bones and should not be used for other radiologic examinations of the head and neck.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 70160, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s symptoms or signs indicating the need for a radiologic examination of the nasal bones
• Number and type of views obtained during the examination
• Findings from the examination, including any nasal fractures or septal deformities
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the examination

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 70160, ensure that the healthcare provider performs a radiologic examination of the nasal bones, using a minimum of three views. This code should not be reported with other codes unless there are additional radiologic examinations performed on different anatomical areas. It is important to accurately document the number and type of views obtained during the examination to support the billing of CPT 70160.

8. Historical information

CPT 70160 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code underwent a change on January 1, 2010, with the description being updated to ‘Radiologic examination, nasal bones, complete, minimum of three views.’

9. Examples

1. A patient presents with nasal pain and swelling following a fall. The healthcare provider performs a radiologic examination of the nasal bones, using a minimum of three views, and diagnoses a nasal fracture.
2. A patient complains of chronic difficulty breathing through the nose. The healthcare provider orders a radiologic examination of the nasal bones, using a minimum of three views, and identifies a deviated nasal septum.
3. A patient experiences recurrent nosebleeds. The healthcare provider conducts a radiologic examination of the nasal bones, using a minimum of three views, and discovers a nasal fracture.
4. A patient sustains a nasal injury during a sports activity. The healthcare provider performs a radiologic examination of the nasal bones, using a minimum of three views, and confirms a nasal fracture.
5. A patient presents with a crooked nose following a previous nasal injury. The healthcare provider orders a radiologic examination of the nasal bones, using a minimum of three views, and diagnoses a nasal septal deformity.
6. A patient complains of nasal congestion and facial pain. The healthcare provider conducts a radiologic examination of the nasal bones, using a minimum of three views, and identifies a nasal fracture.
7. A patient experiences chronic sinus infections. The healthcare provider performs a radiologic examination of the nasal bones, using a minimum of three views, and discovers a deviated nasal septum.
8. A patient presents with a nasal deformity following a motor vehicle accident. The healthcare provider orders a radiologic examination of the nasal bones, using a minimum of three views, and confirms a nasal fracture.
9. A patient complains of difficulty breathing through the nose after a nasal injury. The healthcare provider conducts a radiologic examination of the nasal bones, using a minimum of three views, and identifies a nasal septal deformity.
10. A patient sustains a nasal injury during a physical altercation. The healthcare provider performs a radiologic examination of the nasal bones, using a minimum of three views, and diagnoses a nasal fracture.