How To Use CPT Code 73030

CPT 73030 describes the radiologic examination of the complete shoulder, requiring a minimum of two X-ray 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 73030?

CPT 73030 is used to describe a radiologic examination of the complete shoulder, which involves taking a minimum of two X-ray views. This procedure is performed by a radiologic technician, who positions the shoulder in a stable position and takes X-rays from different views and positions, such as AP, lateral, frontal, transverse, cross table, standing, or swimmer. The purpose of this examination is to assess injuries, fractures, arthritis, bone spurs, tumors, or congenital abnormalities in the shoulder.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 73030 is: ‘Radiologic examination, shoulder; complete, minimum of 2 views.’

3. Procedure

1. The radiologic technician positions the shoulder in a stable position.
2. Depending on the site of injury or damage, the technician takes X-ray views from different positions, such as AP, lateral, frontal, transverse, cross table, standing, or swimmer.
3. A minimum of two X-ray views of the complete shoulder are taken.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 73030 is used for patients who require a radiologic examination of the complete shoulder. This may include individuals with suspected injuries, fractures, arthritis, bone spurs, tumors, or congenital abnormalities in the shoulder. The procedure must be performed by a radiologic technician and involve a minimum of two X-ray views.

5. When to use CPT code 73030

CPT code 73030 should be used when a radiologic examination of the complete shoulder is necessary, requiring a minimum of two X-ray views. It is important to ensure that the procedure is performed by a radiologic technician and that the appropriate views are taken to assess the specific condition or injury in the shoulder.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 73030, the following documentation is required:

• Indication for the radiologic examination of the complete shoulder
• Details of the specific X-ray views taken
• Date and time of the procedure
• Any additional relevant information, such as comparison with unaffected sites
• Signature of the radiologic technician performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 73030, ensure that the procedure is performed by a radiologic technician and that a minimum of two X-ray views of the complete shoulder are taken. It is important to follow payer policies regarding the use of modifiers, such as modifier 26 for the professional component or modifier TC for the technical component, if applicable. If the radiologic examination of the complete shoulder is part of a global service where one provider renders both the professional and technical components, modifiers may not be necessary.

8. Historical information

CPT 73030 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code underwent a change on January 1, 2009, with the description being updated to ‘Radiologic examination, shoulder; complete, minimum of two views.’

9. Examples

1. A radiologic technician performing a complete shoulder examination, taking two X-ray views to assess a suspected fracture.
2. An individual undergoing a radiologic examination of the complete shoulder, with a minimum of two X-ray views, to evaluate arthritis in the joint.
3. A patient receiving a radiologic examination of the complete shoulder, involving two X-ray views, to assess the presence of bone spurs.
4. A radiologic technician performing a complete shoulder examination, taking two X-ray views, to evaluate a suspected tumor in the shoulder.
5. An individual undergoing a radiologic examination of the complete shoulder, with a minimum of two X-ray views, to assess a congenital abnormality in the joint.