How To Use CPT Code 70200

CPT 70200 describes the radiologic examination of the orbits, involving a minimum of four views. 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 70200?

CPT 70200 can be used to describe a radiologic examination of the orbits, specifically focusing on the detection of orbital fractures or foreign bodies in the eye. This code requires a minimum of four views to be taken by the provider, including images of both the injured and unaffected eye for comparison purposes. The purpose of this examination is to provide detailed visualization of multiple eye parts, including optic canal projections.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 70200 is: ‘Radiologic examination; orbits, complete, minimum of 4 views.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider positions the patient adequately and selects the appropriate views for the examination, including lateral, PA, base view, and half axial projections.
2. The provider takes a minimum of four images of the orbits, capturing both the injured and unaffected eye for comparison.
3. The images are used to assess the presence of orbital fractures or foreign bodies.
4. Optic canal projections are included in the examination to visualize the optic foramen and surrounding structures.
5. The provider ensures that the images are of sufficient quality and clarity for accurate interpretation.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 70200 is used for patients who require a radiologic examination of the orbits to assess the presence of orbital fractures or foreign bodies. This procedure is typically performed when there is a suspected injury or trauma to the eye. The provider must take a minimum of four views, including images of both the injured and unaffected eye for comparison. The examination is focused on visualizing the optic canal and surrounding structures.

5. When to use CPT code 70200

CPT code 70200 should be used when a provider performs a radiologic examination of the orbits, specifically for the detection of orbital fractures or foreign bodies. This code is appropriate when a minimum of four views are taken, including images of both the injured and unaffected eye for comparison. It is important to ensure that the examination includes optic canal projections to visualize the optic foramen and surrounding structures.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 70200, the provider must document the following information:

• Reason for the examination, such as suspected orbital fracture or foreign body
• Number and type of views taken, including lateral, PA, base view, and half axial projections
• Images of both the injured and unaffected eye for comparison
• Presence or absence of orbital fractures or foreign bodies
• Quality and clarity of the images
• Signature of the provider performing the examination

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 70200, ensure that the provider performs a radiologic examination of the orbits, including a minimum of four views. It is important to document the reason for the examination, the number and type of views taken, and the presence or absence of orbital fractures or foreign bodies. CPT code 70200 should not be reported with other codes unless additional imaging studies are performed. It is crucial to accurately document and code the views taken to ensure proper reimbursement.

8. Historical information

CPT 70200 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; orbits, complete, minimum of four views.’

9. Examples

1. A patient presents with a suspected orbital fracture after a traumatic injury. The provider performs a radiologic examination of the orbits, taking a minimum of four views to assess the presence of a fracture.
2. A foreign body is suspected in a patient’s eye. The provider conducts a radiologic examination of the orbits, capturing four views to detect the presence of the foreign body.
3. A patient with a history of orbital fractures undergoes a routine radiologic examination of the orbits, including a minimum of four views to monitor the healing process.
4. A patient experiences sudden vision loss and is referred for a radiologic examination of the orbits. The provider takes four views to assess for any abnormalities or causes of the vision loss.
5. A child presents with eye pain and swelling. The provider performs a radiologic examination of the orbits, capturing four views to evaluate for any fractures or foreign bodies.
6. A patient with a known foreign body in the eye undergoes a follow-up radiologic examination of the orbits, including a minimum of four views to monitor the position and potential complications of the foreign body.
7. A patient involved in a car accident presents with facial trauma. The provider conducts a radiologic examination of the orbits, taking four views to assess for any fractures or injuries to the eye area.
8. A professional athlete sustains an injury during a game, resulting in suspected orbital fractures. The provider performs a radiologic examination of the orbits, capturing four views to confirm the presence and extent of the fractures.
9. A patient with a history of eye trauma undergoes a routine radiologic examination of the orbits, including a minimum of four views to monitor for any changes or complications.
10. A patient complains of persistent double vision. The provider conducts a radiologic examination of the orbits, taking four views to evaluate for any abnormalities or causes of the double vision.