How To Use CPT Code 73580

CPT 73580 describes the radiologic examination of the knee 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 73580?

CPT 73580 can be used to represent the radiologic examination of the knee joint using arthrography, with the provider performing imaging supervision and interpretation. This code is used when the provider injects contrast material into the knee joint and takes a series of X-rays to evaluate the different structures of the joint.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 73580 is: ‘Radiologic examination, knee, arthrography, radiological supervision and interpretation.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider inserts a needle under fluoroscopic guidance to inject contrast material into the knee joint.
2. The provider observes the flow of the contrast material under fluoroscopy.
3. The provider takes a series of X-rays of the knee joint from various angles to evaluate the different structures.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 73580 is used when the provider performs imaging supervision and interpretation for a radiologic examination of the knee joint using arthrography. This procedure is typically performed when there is a need to visualize the structures of the knee joint, such as in cases of suspected ligament tears, meniscal injuries, or joint abnormalities.

5. When to use CPT code 73580

CPT code 73580 should be used when the provider performs imaging supervision and interpretation for a radiologic examination of the knee joint using arthrography. This code should not be reported in conjunction with CPT code 77002, which is used for fluoroscopic guidance for needle placement.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 73580, the provider must document the following information:

• Indication for the knee arthrography
• Details of the procedure, including the use of fluoroscopic guidance and contrast material injection
• Observations made during the procedure, such as the flow of the contrast material and any abnormalities identified
• Findings from the series of X-rays taken
• Interpretation of the images and any additional recommendations or follow-up required
• Signature of the provider performing the imaging supervision and interpretation

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 73580, ensure that the provider is performing imaging supervision and interpretation for a knee arthrography. Do not report CPT code 73580 in conjunction with CPT code 77002, which is used for fluoroscopic guidance for needle placement. If multiple providers are involved in the service, each provider should report the code and append modifier 26 to indicate the professional component.

8. Historical information

CPT 73580 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 presents with knee pain and a suspected meniscal tear. The provider performs knee arthrography, injecting contrast material into the knee joint and taking a series of X-rays to evaluate the menisci and other structures.
2. A professional athlete sustains a knee injury during a game. The provider performs knee arthrography to assess the extent of ligament damage, injecting contrast material and taking X-rays to visualize the ligaments.
3. A patient with chronic knee pain undergoes knee arthrography to evaluate for any joint abnormalities. The provider performs the procedure, injecting contrast material and obtaining X-rays to assess the joint structures.
4. A patient with a history of knee surgery experiences persistent pain. The provider performs knee arthrography to investigate the cause of the pain, injecting contrast material and capturing X-rays to identify any abnormalities.
5. A patient with a suspected knee joint infection undergoes knee arthrography to aid in diagnosis. The provider performs the procedure, injecting contrast material and obtaining X-rays to assess for signs of infection.