How To Use CPT Code 73085

CPT 73085 describes the radiologic examination of the elbow 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 73085?

CPT 73085 is used to represent the radiologic examination of the elbow joint using arthrography. This procedure involves the injection of contrast material and/or air into the patient’s elbow joint, followed by a series of X-rays to evaluate the joint structures for 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 73085 is: ‘Radiologic examination, elbow, arthrography, radiological supervision and interpretation.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider inserts a needle under fluoroscopic guidance into the patient’s elbow joint.
2. Contrast material and/or air is injected into the joint to allow visualization of the elbow joint structures.
3. The provider observes the flow of contrast material or air under fluoroscopy and takes a series of X-rays of the elbow from various angles.
4. The provider interprets the X-ray images to evaluate the joint structures for any abnormalities or conditions.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 73085 is performed when there is a need to evaluate the elbow joint structures using arthrography. This procedure is typically indicated for patients with conditions such as arthritis, adhesive capsulitis, tears, or abnormalities of the cartilage. The provider must have the necessary expertise to perform imaging supervision and interpretation for this procedure.

5. When to use CPT code 73085

CPT code 73085 should be used when a provider performs the radiologic examination of the elbow joint using arthrography and also provides imaging supervision and interpretation for the procedure. This code represents only the professional component of the service.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 73085, the provider must document the following information:

• Indication for the procedure and the medical necessity
• Details of the arthrography procedure, including the type of contrast material or air used
• Fluoroscopic guidance for needle placement, if applicable
• Number and angles of X-ray images taken
• Interpretation of the X-ray images and findings
• Signature of the provider performing the imaging supervision and interpretation

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 73085, ensure that the provider performs both the imaging supervision and interpretation for the procedure. Do not report CPT code 77002 in conjunction with 73085. If multiple providers are involved in the service, each provider should report the code and append modifier 26 to indicate the professional component. Modifier 52 may be appended if the service is reduced. Fluoroscopic guidance for needle placement should not be reported separately with CPT 73085.

8. Historical information

CPT 73085 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 suspected arthritis undergoes a radiologic examination of their elbow joint using arthrography. The provider performs imaging supervision and interpretation, documenting the findings of the X-ray images.
2. A professional athlete sustains an elbow injury, and the provider performs a radiologic examination of the elbow joint using arthrography to assess the extent of the damage. The provider interprets the X-ray images and provides a report on the findings.
3. A patient with chronic elbow pain undergoes a radiologic examination of their elbow joint using arthrography. The provider performs imaging supervision and interpretation, identifying any abnormalities or tears in the joint structures.
4. A patient with limited range of motion in their elbow joint undergoes a radiologic examination using arthrography. The provider performs imaging supervision and interpretation, assessing the joint structures for any adhesive capsulitis or frozen joint.
5. A patient with a history of cartilage abnormalities in their elbow joint undergoes a radiologic examination using arthrography. The provider performs imaging supervision and interpretation, evaluating the cartilage for any further abnormalities or deterioration.