How To Use CPT Code 71048

CPT 71048 describes the radiologic examination of the chest, involving a minimum of four views. This article will cover the description, official details, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 71048?

CPT 71048 is used to describe a radiologic examination of the chest, which includes a minimum of four views. This procedure is performed to assess conditions affecting the chest, its contents, and nearby structures. It provides valuable diagnostic information to healthcare providers.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 71048 is: ‘Radiologic examination, chest; 4 or more views.’ This code is used when the provider performs a minimum of four radiological views of the chest to assess and diagnose various conditions.

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider positions the patient to focus the X-ray beam on the chest.
2. The patient remains still during the examination to ensure clear and accurate images.
3. An X-ray machine sends a beam of radiation through the chest area, and a computer or special film records the image.
4. The provider may perform different views of the chest, including anteroposterior, posteroanterior, lateral, and right and left oblique views.
5. Additional views such as decubitus, lordotic, and expiratory may also be performed to detect specific conditions or abnormalities.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 71048 is used for patients who require a radiologic examination of the chest. There are no specific qualifying circumstances for this code, as it is a general code used for diagnostic purposes. The provider may order this procedure based on the patient’s symptoms, medical history, or suspected conditions affecting the chest.

5. When to use CPT code 71048

CPT code 71048 should be used when the healthcare provider performs a radiologic examination of the chest, consisting of a minimum of four views. This code is appropriate for assessing various conditions such as lung diseases, heart abnormalities, rib fractures, and other chest-related issues. It is important to ensure that the minimum requirement of four views is met to accurately report this code.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 71048, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Reason for the radiologic examination of the chest
• Number and types of views performed
• Date and time of the procedure
• Any specific findings or abnormalities observed
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the examination

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 71048, ensure that the provider performs a minimum of four views of the chest. This code should be reported when the examination is solely focused on the chest and does not include additional views of the abdomen. It is important to follow payer policies regarding the use of modifiers, such as TC (technical component) and 26 (professional component), when reporting this code.

8. Historical information

CPT 71048 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2018. There have been no updates or changes to this code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoes a radiologic examination of the chest, including four views, to assess a suspected lung infection.
2. A healthcare provider performs a radiologic examination of the chest, consisting of multiple views, to evaluate a patient with chest pain and suspected rib fractures.
3. A radiologist orders a radiologic examination of the chest, including four views, to assess a patient with a history of lung cancer for any signs of recurrence or metastasis.
4. A physician performs a radiologic examination of the chest, consisting of four views, to evaluate a patient with suspected heart abnormalities.
5. A healthcare provider orders a radiologic examination of the chest, including four views, to assess a patient with chronic respiratory symptoms and suspected lung disease.
6. A radiologist performs a radiologic examination of the chest, consisting of multiple views, to evaluate a patient with a suspected pneumothorax.
7. A patient undergoes a radiologic examination of the chest, including four views, to assess the progression of a known lung condition.
8. A healthcare provider orders a radiologic examination of the chest, consisting of four views, to evaluate a patient with a persistent cough and suspected tuberculosis.
9. A radiologist performs a radiologic examination of the chest, including multiple views, to assess a patient with chest trauma and suspected internal injuries.
10. A physician orders a radiologic examination of the chest, including four views, to evaluate a patient with suspected pulmonary embolism.