How To Use CPT Code 70330

CPT 70330 describes the radiologic examination of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) with both open and closed mouth positions. 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 70330?

CPT 70330 can be used to describe the radiologic examination of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in both open and closed mouth positions. This code is used when the provider takes X-rays of both TMJs to diagnose TMJ disorders. The procedure is performed in patients who have arthralgia of the TMJ or whose TMJ makes abnormal clicking noises when opening and closing the jaw, which could indicate an articular disc disorder.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 70330 is: ‘Radiologic examination, temporomandibular joint, open and closed mouth; bilateral.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider performs dual projection images of both TMJs in both open and closed mouth positions.
2. The X-rays are taken to visualize the TMJs and diagnose TMJ disorders.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 70330 is performed in patients who have arthralgia of the TMJ or whose TMJ makes abnormal clicking noises when opening and closing the jaw, which could indicate an articular disc disorder.

5. When to use CPT code 70330

CPT code 70330 should be used when the provider performs a radiologic examination of the TMJ in both open and closed mouth positions to diagnose TMJ disorders. It is important to note that this code is specifically for bilateral TMJ imaging.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 70330, the provider must document the following information:

• Indication for the TMJ examination, such as arthralgia or abnormal clicking noises
• Performance of dual projection images in both open and closed mouth positions

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 70330, ensure that the provider performs the radiologic examination of the TMJ in both open and closed mouth positions. This code should only be reported for bilateral TMJ imaging. It is important to note that there is a Medically Unlikely Edit (MUE) of 1 for CPT 70330, meaning that reporting more than one unit of this code on a claim line will result in denial.

8. Historical information

CPT 70330 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient with arthralgia of the TMJ undergoes a radiologic examination of both TMJs in both open and closed mouth positions to diagnose a TMJ disorder.
2. A patient with abnormal clicking noises in the TMJ undergoes a radiologic examination of both TMJs in both open and closed mouth positions to determine if there is an articular disc disorder.
3. A provider performs a radiologic examination of both TMJs in both open and closed mouth positions to evaluate a patient with TMJ pain.
4. A patient with TMJ dysfunction undergoes a radiologic examination of both TMJs in both open and closed mouth positions to assess the condition of the joints.
5. A provider orders a radiologic examination of both TMJs in both open and closed mouth positions for a patient with TMJ symptoms to rule out any abnormalities.