How To Use CPT Code 70260

CPT code 70260 describes the radiologic examination of the skull, which includes a complete assessment with 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 70260?

CPT 70260 can be used to describe the radiologic examination of the skull, specifically for the assessment of skull fractures or intracranial injuries. This code is used when the provider takes a minimum of four views of the patient’s skull, including anteroposterior, posteroanterior, inferior, and lateral views. The purpose of this examination is to examine the skull, nose, sinuses, and facial bones for any abnormalities or injuries.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 70260 is: ‘Radiologic examination, skull; complete, minimum of four views.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider positions the patient and selects the appropriate views for the radiologic examination of the skull.
2. The provider takes a minimum of four views, including anteroposterior, posteroanterior, inferior, and lateral views.
3. The X-ray beam travels from front to back in the anteroposterior view, from back to front in the posteroanterior view, from below the part being X-rayed in the inferior view, and the side of the part being X-rayed is next to the film in the lateral view.
4. The provider ensures that each view is clearly documented in the radiology report.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 70260 is used when the radiologic examination of the skull includes a minimum of four views. This code is typically used for patients who require assessment for skull fractures or intracranial injuries. The provider must clearly document each view taken during the examination to support the use of this code.

5. When to use CPT code 70260

CPT code 70260 should be used when the provider performs a radiologic examination of the skull that includes a minimum of four views. This code is appropriate for assessing skull fractures or intracranial injuries. It should not be used for other types of radiologic examinations or for examinations that do not meet the minimum requirement of four views.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 70260, the provider must document the following information:

• Number and type of views taken during the radiologic examination
• Reason for the examination, such as suspected skull fracture or intracranial injury
• Findings of the examination, including any abnormalities or injuries
• Date and time of the examination
• Signature of the provider performing the examination

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 70260, ensure that the radiologic examination of the skull includes a minimum of four views. This code should not be reported with other codes unless additional views or procedures are performed. It is important to accurately document the number and type of views taken to support the use of this code. Review the provider’s documentation to assign the correct number of views and ensure accurate billing.

8. Historical information

CPT code 70260 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. Since then, there have been two code changes. On January 1, 2004, the code description was updated to include the option of stereo imaging. Then, on January 1, 2009, the code description was revised to specify a minimum of four views.

9. Examples

1. A patient presents with a head injury, and the provider performs a radiologic examination of the skull, including anteroposterior, posteroanterior, inferior, and lateral views to assess for any fractures or intracranial injuries.
2. A patient with chronic sinusitis undergoes a radiologic examination of the skull, which includes a minimum of four views to evaluate the sinuses for any abnormalities or infections.
3. A trauma patient is brought to the emergency department with suspected facial fractures, and the provider performs a radiologic examination of the skull, including a complete assessment with a minimum of four views to identify any fractures or injuries.
4. A patient with a history of nasal trauma undergoes a radiologic examination of the skull, including anteroposterior, posteroanterior, inferior, and lateral views to assess for any nasal bone fractures or deformities.
5. A child with a head injury is referred for a radiologic examination of the skull, including a minimum of four views, to rule out any skull fractures or intracranial injuries.