How To Use CPT Code 70250

CPT 70250 describes the radiologic examination of the skull with less than 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 70250?

CPT 70250 can be used to describe the radiologic examination of the skull with less than four views. This code is used when a healthcare provider performs an X-ray exam of the patient’s skull, mainly to assess for skull fractures or intracranial injuries. The examination typically includes anteroposterior (front to back), posteroanterior (back to front), and lateral views or projections of the skull.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 70250 is: ‘Radiologic examination, skull; less than four views.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider performs an X-ray examination of the patient’s skull.
2. The examination includes one to three views, such as anteroposterior, posteroanterior, and lateral views.
3. The purpose of the examination is to assess for skull fractures or intracranial injuries.
4. The provider positions the patient and the X-ray machine accordingly to obtain the necessary views.
5. The X-ray images are captured and interpreted by the healthcare provider.
6. The findings are documented and used for further diagnosis and treatment planning.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 70250 is typically performed when there is a suspected skull fracture or intracranial injury. The examination is ordered by a healthcare provider to assess the condition of the patient’s skull, nose, sinuses, and facial bones. It is important to note that this code is used when the radiologic examination includes fewer than four views.

5. When to use CPT code 70250

CPT code 70250 should be used when a healthcare provider performs a radiologic examination of the skull with less than four views. It is appropriate to bill this code when the examination is specifically focused on assessing for skull fractures or intracranial injuries. If the examination includes four or more views, a different CPT code should be used.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 70250, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Reason for the examination, such as suspected skull fracture or intracranial injury
• Number and types of views obtained during the examination
• Date and time of the examination
• Positioning of the patient and the X-ray machine
• Interpretation of the X-ray images
• Findings and any additional recommendations or follow-up required

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 70250, ensure that the examination includes less than four views of the skull. It is important to accurately document the number of views obtained during the examination. Additionally, follow any specific guidelines provided by the payer regarding the use of modifiers or reporting this code with other related codes.

8. Historical information

CPT 70250 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. Since then, there have been a few changes to the code, including updates to the code description and the addition of notes.

9. Examples

1. A patient presents with a head injury, and the healthcare provider performs an X-ray examination of the skull with anteroposterior and lateral views to assess for any fractures.
2. A patient complains of chronic sinusitis, and the healthcare provider orders a radiologic examination of the skull with posteroanterior and lateral views to evaluate the sinuses and nasal passages.
3. A patient is involved in a motor vehicle accident, and the healthcare provider performs an X-ray examination of the skull with anteroposterior, posteroanterior, and lateral views to rule out any intracranial injuries.
4. A patient experiences facial trauma, and the healthcare provider orders a radiologic examination of the skull with anteroposterior and lateral views to assess for any fractures in the facial bones.
5. A patient presents with symptoms of a possible skull fracture, and the healthcare provider performs an X-ray examination of the skull with anteroposterior and lateral views to confirm the diagnosis.