How To Use CPT Code 73501

CPT 73501 describes the radiologic examination of one hip, either left or right, with the pelvis when performed, from a single projection. 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 73501?

CPT 73501 is used to describe a radiologic examination of one hip, either left or right, with the pelvis when performed, from a single projection. This code is used when a healthcare provider takes an X-ray image of the hip to check for fractures, swelling, or other reasons for hip pain. The image may also include the entire pelvis, which consists of the hip bone, sacrum, and coccyx.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 73501 is: ‘Radiologic examination, hip, unilateral, with pelvis when performed; 1 view.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider positions the patient on an X-ray table.
2. A single image of the right or left hip bone is taken.
3. The image may include the entire pelvis, including the hip bone, sacrum, and coccyx.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 73501 is used when a radiologic examination of one hip is necessary to diagnose, manage, or treat diseases or conditions related to the hip area. This procedure is typically performed when a patient experiences hip pain or when there is a suspected fracture or swelling in the hip. The examination can be performed by a healthcare provider who is trained in radiology.

5. When to use CPT code 73501

CPT code 73501 should be used when a healthcare provider performs a radiologic examination of one hip, either left or right, with the pelvis when performed, from a single projection. This code is appropriate when the provider takes a single image of the hip bone to evaluate the patient’s condition. It should not be used for multiple views or examinations of both hip bones.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 73501, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Reason for the radiologic examination
• Specific view taken (right or left hip)
• Date and time of the examination
• Any additional findings or observations
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the examination

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 73501, ensure that the radiologic examination is performed on one hip, either left or right, with the pelvis when performed, from a single projection. Modifier 26 should be appended to the radiology code if only the physician’s interpretation is being reported. Modifier TC should be appended if only the technical component is being reported. However, payer policies may exempt hospitals from appending modifier TC. If both the professional and technical components are rendered by one provider, no modifier is necessary. It is important to accurately document the number of views taken during the examination.

8. Historical information

CPT 73501 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2016. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider performs a radiologic examination of the left hip to evaluate a patient’s hip pain.
2. An X-ray technician takes an image of the right hip and pelvis to check for fractures in a patient who fell.
3. A radiologist examines an X-ray of the left hip to assess the extent of swelling in a patient with a sports injury.
4. A physician orders a radiologic examination of the right hip to rule out any abnormalities in a patient with chronic hip pain.
5. A healthcare provider performs a radiologic examination of the left hip and pelvis to monitor the progress of a patient with a hip fracture.
6. An X-ray technician takes an image of the right hip to evaluate the alignment of the hip joint in a patient with developmental hip dysplasia.
7. A radiologist examines an X-ray of the left hip and pelvis to assess the position of a hip prosthesis in a patient who underwent hip replacement surgery.
8. A physician orders a radiologic examination of the right hip to evaluate the effectiveness of a treatment for a patient with hip bursitis.
9. A healthcare provider performs a radiologic examination of the left hip and pelvis to assess the healing progress of a patient with a previous hip dislocation.
10. An X-ray technician takes an image of the right hip to check for any signs of infection in a patient with a history of hip surgery.