How To Use CPT Code 73610

CPT 73610 refers to a radiologic examination of the ankle with a minimum of three views. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes, and examples of CPT code 73610 procedures.

1. What is CPT 73610?

CPT 73610 is a medical billing code used to describe a radiologic examination of the ankle joint, which involves taking a minimum of three X-ray images from different angles. This procedure is performed to diagnose and evaluate various conditions affecting the ankle, such as fractures, swelling, or pain.

2. 73610 CPT code description

The official description of CPT code 73610 is: “Radiologic examination, ankle; complete, minimum of 3 views.”

3. Procedure

The 73610 procedure involves the following steps:

1. The patient is positioned appropriately for the X-ray examination.
2. The X-ray machine is adjusted to focus on the ankle joint.
3. A minimum of three X-ray images are taken from different angles to provide a comprehensive view of the ankle joint.
4. The images are recorded on special film or a computer for further analysis.
5. The radiologist interprets the images to diagnose and evaluate the patient’s condition.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients who are eligible to receive CPT code 73610 services include those experiencing ankle pain, swelling, or other symptoms that may indicate a fracture or other underlying condition. Additionally, patients with a history of ankle injuries or conditions may also require this examination as part of their ongoing care and treatment plan.

5. When to use CPT code 73610

It is appropriate to bill the 73610 CPT code when a patient requires a radiologic examination of the ankle joint with a minimum of three views to diagnose or evaluate their condition. This may be due to acute symptoms, such as pain or swelling, or as part of ongoing care for a chronic ankle condition.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 73610, the following information should be documented:

• Patient’s medical history and presenting symptoms
• Physical examination findings related to the ankle joint
• Indication for the radiologic examination
• Details of the X-ray procedure, including the number of views taken and the patient’s positioning
• Radiologist’s interpretation of the images and any relevant findings
• Diagnosis and treatment plan based on the examination results

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 73610, it is important to follow the appropriate guidelines and rules. These may include appending professional component modifier 26 to the radiology code if only the physician’s interpretation is being reported, or appending modifier TC for the technical component if only the radiology service is being reported. Additionally, do not append a professional or technical modifier when reporting a global service in which one provider renders both components.

8. Historical information

CPT 73610 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code was changed on January 1, 2009, with the previous descriptor being “Radiologic examination, ankle; complete, minimum of three views.”

9. Similar codes to CPT 73610

Five similar codes to CPT 73610 and how they differ are:

• CPT 73600: This code is used for radiologic examination of the ankle with only two views.
• CPT 73615: This code is for a radiologic examination of the ankle with stress views.
• CPT 73630: This code is for a radiologic examination of the foot with a minimum of three views.
• CPT 73590: This code is for a radiologic examination of the lower leg with two views.
• CPT 73560: This code is for a radiologic examination of the knee with one or two views.

10. Examples

Here are 10 detailed examples of CPT code 73610 procedures:

1. A patient presents with acute ankle pain and swelling after a sports injury. A radiologic examination with three views is performed to assess for fractures.
2. A patient with a history of ankle arthritis experiences worsening pain and stiffness. A radiologic examination with three views is performed to evaluate the progression of the condition.
3. A patient complains of chronic ankle instability. A radiologic examination with three views is performed to assess for ligament damage or other structural abnormalities.
4. A patient presents with an ankle deformity. A radiologic examination with three views is performed to determine the cause and plan appropriate treatment.
5. A patient with a suspected ankle infection undergoes a radiologic examination with three views to evaluate for bone involvement.
6. A patient with a history of ankle surgery experiences new onset pain and swelling. A radiologic examination with three views is performed to assess for complications or hardware failure.
7. A patient with a known ankle fracture requires a follow-up radiologic examination with three views to monitor healing and determine if further intervention is needed.
8. A patient with a suspected stress fracture in the ankle undergoes a radiologic examination with three views to confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment.
9. A patient with a history of ankle dislocations experiences a new episode of instability. A radiologic examination with three views is performed to assess for recurrent dislocation or other damage.
10. A patient with unexplained ankle pain undergoes a radiologic examination with three views to rule out underlying conditions, such as tumors or cysts.