How To Use CPT Code 73040

CPT 73040 describes the radiologic examination of the shoulder joint using arthrography, with the provider performing imaging supervision and interpretation. 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 73040?

CPT 73040 is used to describe a radiologic examination of the shoulder joint using arthrography. This procedure involves the injection of contrast material and/or air into the patient’s shoulder joint, followed by a series of X-rays to evaluate the different structures of the joint. The purpose of this examination is to diagnose conditions such as arthritis, adhesive capsulitis, tears, or abnormalities of the cartilage. The provider performs imaging supervision and interpretation for this procedure.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 73040 is: ‘Radiologic examination, shoulder, arthrography, radiological supervision and interpretation.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider preps and anesthetizes the patient appropriately for the procedure.
2. Under fluoroscopic guidance, the provider inserts a needle into the patient’s shoulder joint.
3. The provider injects contrast material and/or air into the joint to allow visualization of the structures.
4. The provider observes the flow of the contrast material or air under fluoroscopy and takes a series of X-rays from various angles.
5. The provider examines the joint using anteroposterior views, external and internal rotation of the affected arm, and images of the arm in a natural flexed position.
6. The provider performs imaging supervision and interpretation, analyzing the X-ray images to evaluate the condition of the shoulder joint.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 73040 is used when a provider performs imaging supervision and interpretation for a radiologic examination of the shoulder joint using arthrography. This procedure is typically performed to evaluate conditions such as arthritis, adhesive capsulitis, tears, or abnormalities of the cartilage. The provider injects contrast material and/or air into the joint and takes X-rays to visualize the structures. The procedure requires the use of fluoroscopy for needle placement and imaging guidance.

5. When to use CPT code 73040

CPT code 73040 should be used when a provider performs imaging supervision and interpretation for a radiologic examination of the shoulder joint using arthrography. This code represents the professional component of the procedure, including the interpretation of the X-ray images. It should not be reported in conjunction with CPT code 77002, which represents fluoroscopic guidance for needle placement.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 73040, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis or reason for the examination
• Details of the procedure, including the use of contrast material and/or air
• Date of the procedure
• Start and end time of the procedure
• Specific views and angles taken during the examination
• Findings and interpretation of the X-ray images
• Signature of the provider performing the imaging supervision and interpretation

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 73040, ensure that the provider is performing the imaging supervision and interpretation for the radiologic examination of the shoulder joint using arthrography. Do not report CPT code 77002 in conjunction with CPT 73040. If multiple providers are involved in the procedure, each provider should report the code and append modifier 26 to indicate the professional component.

8. Historical information

CPT 73040 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 undergoes a radiologic examination of the shoulder joint using arthrography to evaluate a suspected tear in the rotator cuff.
2. A provider performs imaging supervision and interpretation for a radiologic examination of the shoulder joint using arthrography to assess a patient with adhesive capsulitis.
3. A patient with suspected arthritis in the shoulder joint undergoes a radiologic examination using arthrography, with the provider interpreting the X-ray images.
4. A provider performs imaging supervision and interpretation for a radiologic examination of the shoulder joint using arthrography to evaluate a patient with a frozen shoulder.
5. A patient undergoes a radiologic examination of the shoulder joint using arthrography to assess the integrity of the cartilage following a traumatic injury.
6. A provider performs imaging supervision and interpretation for a radiologic examination of the shoulder joint using arthrography to evaluate a patient with recurrent shoulder dislocations.
7. A patient with chronic shoulder pain undergoes a radiologic examination using arthrography, with the provider interpreting the X-ray images to identify any abnormalities.
8. A provider performs imaging supervision and interpretation for a radiologic examination of the shoulder joint using arthrography to assess a patient with suspected labral tear.
9. A patient with limited range of motion in the shoulder joint undergoes a radiologic examination using arthrography, with the provider interpreting the X-ray images to determine the cause of the restriction.
10. A provider performs imaging supervision and interpretation for a radiologic examination of the shoulder joint using arthrography to evaluate a patient with recurrent shoulder instability.