How To Use CPT Code 73020

CPT 73020 describes the radiologic examination of the shoulder using a single view X-ray. 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 73020?

CPT 73020 is used to report a single view X-ray of the shoulder. This procedure is performed by a radiologic technician to assess injuries, fractures, arthritis, bone spurs, tumors, or congenital abnormalities in the shoulder. The X-ray is taken from different views and positions depending on the site of injury or damage, such as AP, lateral, frontal, transverse, cross table, standing, or swimmer positions.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 73020 is: ‘Radiologic examination, shoulder; 1 view.’

3. Procedure

1. The radiologic technician positions the patient’s arm in a stable position for the X-ray.
2. A single view X-ray of the shoulder is taken to capture the specific area of injury or damage.
3. The X-ray may be taken from different views and positions depending on the site of injury or damage.
4. The radiologic technician ensures that the X-ray image is clear and of high quality for accurate interpretation.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 73020 is used when a single view X-ray of the shoulder is necessary to assess injuries, fractures, arthritis, bone spurs, tumors, or congenital abnormalities. The procedure is performed by a radiologic technician and does not require any specific qualifying circumstances.

5. When to use CPT code 73020

CPT code 73020 should be used when a single view X-ray of the shoulder is performed to assess injuries, fractures, arthritis, bone spurs, tumors, or congenital abnormalities. It is important to ensure that the X-ray is focused on the specific area of interest in the shoulder.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 73020, the following documentation is required:

• Indication for the X-ray and the reason for performing the procedure
• Date and time of the X-ray
• Clear and high-quality X-ray image
• Any additional relevant information, such as the patient’s symptoms or previous imaging studies

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 73020, ensure that the procedure is performed by a radiologic technician and that a single view X-ray of the shoulder is taken. There are no specific billing guidelines or modifiers associated with this code.

8. Historical information

CPT 73020 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code was later changed on January 1, 2009 to specify that it represents a single view X-ray of the shoulder.

9. Examples

1. A radiologic technician performing a single view X-ray of the shoulder to assess a suspected fracture.
2. An orthopedic surgeon ordering a single view X-ray of the shoulder to evaluate arthritis in a patient.
3. A sports medicine physician requesting a single view X-ray of the shoulder to assess a shoulder dislocation in an athlete.
4. A primary care physician ordering a single view X-ray of the shoulder to evaluate a patient’s shoulder pain.
5. An emergency room physician requesting a single view X-ray of the shoulder to assess a shoulder injury in a trauma patient.
6. A physical therapist referring a patient for a single view X-ray of the shoulder to assess a suspected rotator cuff tear.
7. An oncologist ordering a single view X-ray of the shoulder to evaluate a tumor in a cancer patient.
8. A rheumatologist requesting a single view X-ray of the shoulder to assess joint damage in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis.
9. An occupational therapist referring a patient for a single view X-ray of the shoulder to assess a work-related shoulder injury.
10. A family physician ordering a single view X-ray of the shoulder to evaluate a patient’s shoulder range of motion.