How To Use CPT Code 70240

CPT 70240 describes a radiologic examination of the sella turcica, which is performed to assess the pituitary gland for tumors. This article will provide an overview of CPT code 70240, including its official description, the procedure involved, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 70240?

CPT 70240 is used to describe a radiologic examination of the sella turcica, which is a depression in the sphenoid bone that holds the pituitary gland. This procedure is performed to assess the pituitary gland for tumors. It involves taking X-rays of the sella turcica to generate radiologic images of the area.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 70240 is: ‘Radiologic examination, sella turcica.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider performs anteroposterior (AP) and lateral X-ray views of the sella turcica.
2. The X-ray beam is focused on the sphenoid bone to generate radiologic images.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 70240 is used when a radiologic examination of the sella turcica is necessary to assess the pituitary gland for tumors. This procedure is typically performed when there are clinical indications or symptoms that suggest the presence of pituitary gland abnormalities. The healthcare provider must be qualified to perform and interpret radiologic examinations.

5. When to use CPT code 70240

CPT code 70240 should be used when a radiologic examination of the sella turcica is performed to assess the pituitary gland for tumors. It is important to ensure that the procedure is medically necessary and supported by clinical indications or symptoms. This code should not be used for other types of radiologic examinations or imaging studies.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 70240, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Clinical indications or symptoms that justify the need for the radiologic examination
• Specific details of the procedure performed, including the type of X-ray views taken
• Date and time of the procedure
• Any relevant findings or observations from the radiologic images
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing and interpreting the examination

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 70240, ensure that the procedure performed is a radiologic examination of the sella turcica. It is important to follow the specific guidelines and requirements set forth by the payer. CPT code 70240 should not be reported with other codes unless there are additional procedures or services performed during the same encounter that are separately billable.

8. Historical information

CPT code 70240 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient presents with symptoms of hormonal imbalance, and a radiologic examination of the sella turcica is performed to assess the pituitary gland for tumors.
2. An individual with a history of pituitary gland abnormalities undergoes a radiologic examination of the sella turcica for routine monitoring.
3. A healthcare provider orders a radiologic examination of the sella turcica for a patient with unexplained visual disturbances.
4. A radiologic examination of the sella turcica is performed as part of a preoperative evaluation for a patient scheduled for pituitary gland surgery.
5. A patient with suspected pituitary gland tumors undergoes a radiologic examination of the sella turcica to confirm the diagnosis.
6. An individual with symptoms of acromegaly undergoes a radiologic examination of the sella turcica to assess the pituitary gland for abnormalities.
7. A healthcare provider orders a radiologic examination of the sella turcica for a patient with symptoms of Cushing’s disease.
8. A radiologic examination of the sella turcica is performed as part of a diagnostic workup for a patient with growth hormone deficiency.
9. An individual with symptoms of hyperprolactinemia undergoes a radiologic examination of the sella turcica to evaluate the pituitary gland.
10. A healthcare provider orders a radiologic examination of the sella turcica for a patient with symptoms of pituitary gland dysfunction.