How To Use CPT Code 70220

CPT 70220 describes the radiologic examination of the paranasal sinuses, specifically obtaining a minimum of 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 70220?

CPT 70220 can be used to describe the radiologic examination of the paranasal sinuses. This code is used when the provider obtains a minimum of three views to assess sinusitis, which is the inflammation or infection of the sinuses.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 70220 is: ‘Radiologic examination, sinuses, paranasal, complete, minimum of three views.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider performs an X-ray examination of the paranasal sinuses.
2. A minimum of three views are obtained through multiple sinus projections.
3. The provider detects the presence of fluids, if any, in the frontal, maxillary, sphenoid, or ethmoid sinuses.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible to receive CPT 70220 services are those who require a radiologic examination of the paranasal sinuses to assess sinusitis. The provider must obtain a minimum of three views and detect the presence of fluids, if any, in the sinuses.

5. When to use CPT code 70220

CPT code 70220 should be used when a provider performs a radiologic examination of the paranasal sinuses and obtains a minimum of three views. This code is appropriate for assessing sinusitis and detecting the presence of fluids in the sinuses.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 70220, the provider must document the following information:

• Description of each view taken in the radiology service
• Patient’s body position and projection of the X-ray

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 70220, ensure that the provider obtains a minimum of three views of the paranasal sinuses. There are no specific guidelines regarding reporting CPT code 70220 with other codes. However, it is important to accurately document the procedure and use the appropriate modifiers if necessary.

8. Historical information

CPT 70220 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code was later changed on January 1, 2009 to include the requirement of obtaining a minimum of three views.

9. Examples

1. A radiologist performing a radiologic examination of the paranasal sinuses, obtaining a minimum of three views to assess sinusitis in a patient.
2. A technician obtaining three views of the paranasal sinuses through multiple sinus projections to detect the presence of fluids in a patient with suspected sinusitis.
3. A radiologist performing a radiologic examination of the paranasal sinuses, obtaining three views to assess sinusitis in a patient with chronic sinus infections.
4. A provider obtaining three views of the paranasal sinuses to assess sinusitis in a patient with facial pain and pressure.
5. A radiologic technologist obtaining three views of the paranasal sinuses to assess sinusitis in a patient with recurrent sinus infections.
6. A radiologist performing a radiologic examination of the paranasal sinuses, obtaining a minimum of three views to assess sinusitis in a patient with nasal congestion and discharge.
7. A technician obtaining three views of the paranasal sinuses through multiple sinus projections to detect the presence of fluids in a patient with suspected sinusitis and headache.
8. A radiologist performing a radiologic examination of the paranasal sinuses, obtaining three views to assess sinusitis in a patient with facial tenderness and swelling.
9. A provider obtaining three views of the paranasal sinuses to assess sinusitis in a patient with chronic sinus congestion.
10. A radiologic technologist obtaining three views of the paranasal sinuses to assess sinusitis in a patient with recurrent sinus infections and loss of smell.