How To Use CPT Code 70210

CPT 70210 describes the radiologic examination of the paranasal sinuses, specifically obtaining less than three 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 70210?

CPT 70210 is used to describe the radiologic examination of the paranasal sinuses, specifically obtaining less than three views. This code is used when a healthcare provider performs an X-ray examination to assess sinusitis by obtaining one or two views through single and/or multiple sinus projections. The provider also detects the presence of fluids, if any, in the frontal, maxillary, sphenoid, or ethmoid sinuses.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 70210 is: ‘Radiologic examination, sinuses, paranasal, less than three views.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider performs an X-ray examination of the paranasal sinuses.
2. One or two views are obtained through single and/or multiple sinus projections.
3. The provider detects the presence of fluids, if any, in the frontal, maxillary, sphenoid, or ethmoid sinuses.
4. The procedure is performed to assess sinusitis.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 70210 is used when a healthcare provider performs an X-ray examination of the paranasal sinuses to assess sinusitis. The procedure involves obtaining less than three views through single and/or multiple sinus projections. Sinusitis refers to inflammation or infection of the sinuses, which are air-filled spaces within the skull and face bones connected to the nasal cavity.

5. When to use CPT code 70210

CPT code 70210 should be used when a healthcare provider performs an X-ray examination of the paranasal sinuses and obtains less than three views. This code is specifically for assessing sinusitis. If more than three views are obtained, a different CPT code should be used.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 70210, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

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

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 70210, ensure that the healthcare provider performs an X-ray examination of the paranasal sinuses and obtains less than three views. It is important to accurately document the number of views taken and the patient’s body position during the procedure. CPT code 70210 should not be reported with other codes unless necessary. It is crucial to review the documentation and guidelines to ensure accurate reporting.

8. Historical information

CPT 70210 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. On January 1, 2009, the code description was changed to ‘Radiologic examination, sinuses, paranasal, less than three views.’

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider performs an X-ray examination of the paranasal sinuses and obtains two views to assess sinusitis in a patient.
2. During the radiologic examination, the provider obtains a single view of the paranasal sinuses to assess sinusitis in a patient.
3. A healthcare provider performs an X-ray examination of the paranasal sinuses and obtains one view through multiple sinus projections to assess sinusitis in a patient.
4. During the procedure, the provider detects the presence of fluids in the frontal sinuses of a patient with suspected sinusitis.
5. A healthcare provider performs an X-ray examination of the paranasal sinuses and obtains two views through single sinus projections to assess sinusitis in a patient.
6. During the radiologic examination, the provider detects the presence of fluids in the maxillary sinuses of a patient with sinusitis symptoms.
7. A healthcare provider performs an X-ray examination of the paranasal sinuses and obtains one view through single and multiple sinus projections to assess sinusitis in a patient.
8. During the procedure, the provider detects the presence of fluids in the sphenoid sinuses of a patient with suspected sinusitis.
9. A healthcare provider performs an X-ray examination of the paranasal sinuses and obtains two views through multiple sinus projections to assess sinusitis in a patient.
10. During the radiologic examination, the provider detects the presence of fluids in the ethmoid sinuses of a patient with sinusitis symptoms.