How To Use CPT Code 73523

CPT 73523 describes the radiologic examination of the hips, bilateral, with pelvis when performed, using a minimum of five 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 73523?

CPT 73523 is used to describe a radiologic examination of the hips, bilateral, with pelvis when performed, using a minimum of five views. This code is used when a healthcare provider takes X-ray images of both hip bones, left and right, from different angles or projections to evaluate for fractures, swelling, or other causes of hip pain. The examination may also include the entire pelvis, which consists of the hip bone, sacrum, and coccyx.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 73523 is: ‘Radiologic examination, hips, bilateral, with pelvis when performed; minimum of 5 views.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider positions the patient on an X-ray table.
2. A minimum of five X-ray images of both hip bones, left and right, are taken from different angles or projections.
3. The examination may also include the entire pelvis, which consists of the hip bone, sacrum, and coccyx.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 73523 is typically performed when a patient presents with hip pain or suspected hip pathology. The examination helps the healthcare provider evaluate for fractures, swelling, or other causes of hip pain. It may be ordered for patients of any age, from infants to the elderly.

5. When to use CPT code 73523

CPT code 73523 should be used when a healthcare provider performs a radiologic examination of the hips, bilateral, with pelvis when performed, using a minimum of five views. This code is appropriate when the provider takes X-ray images of both hip bones, left and right, from different angles or projections. It is important to ensure that the minimum requirement of five views is met to accurately report this code.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 73523, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Indication for the examination, such as hip pain or suspected hip pathology
• Number and description of views taken, ensuring a minimum of five views
• Date and time of the examination
• Any additional findings or observations made during the examination
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the examination

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 73523, ensure that the examination meets the criteria of a minimum of five views of both hip bones, left and right, from different angles or projections. It is important to accurately document the number and description of views taken. 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 the same provider, no modifier is necessary.

8. Historical information

CPT 73523 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 patient presents with hip pain, and the healthcare provider performs a radiologic examination of the hips, bilateral, with pelvis when performed, using a minimum of five views.
2. A patient with a history of trauma to the hip undergoes a radiologic examination of the hips, bilateral, with pelvis when performed, using a minimum of five views to evaluate for fractures.
3. A patient with suspected hip pathology undergoes a radiologic examination of the hips, bilateral, with pelvis when performed, using a minimum of five views to assess for any abnormalities.
4. A patient with chronic hip pain undergoes a radiologic examination of the hips, bilateral, with pelvis when performed, using a minimum of five views to investigate the cause of the pain.
5. A patient with hip joint stiffness undergoes a radiologic examination of the hips, bilateral, with pelvis when performed, using a minimum of five views to assess the joint structure.
6. A patient with a history of hip surgery undergoes a radiologic examination of the hips, bilateral, with pelvis when performed, using a minimum of five views to evaluate the surgical outcome.
7. A patient with hip pain and limited range of motion undergoes a radiologic examination of the hips, bilateral, with pelvis when performed, using a minimum of five views to assess for any joint abnormalities.
8. A patient with hip pain and swelling undergoes a radiologic examination of the hips, bilateral, with pelvis when performed, using a minimum of five views to investigate the cause of the symptoms.
9. A patient with hip pain following a fall undergoes a radiologic examination of the hips, bilateral, with pelvis when performed, using a minimum of five views to evaluate for any fractures or dislocations.
10. A patient with hip pain and suspected hip dysplasia undergoes a radiologic examination of the hips, bilateral, with pelvis when performed, using a minimum of five views to assess the hip joint structure.