How To Use CPT Code 73615

CPT 73615 describes the radiologic examination of the ankle using arthrography, with radiological 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 73615?

CPT 73615 is used to represent the radiologic examination of the ankle using arthrography, with radiological supervision and interpretation. This code is specifically for the imaging supervision and interpretation of X-rays taken during an arthrography procedure of the ankle.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 73615 is: ‘Radiologic examination, ankle, arthrography, radiological supervision and interpretation.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider, using fluoroscopic guidance, inserts a needle into the ankle joint cavity.
2. After confirming the position of the needle, the provider may remove fluid from the joint for testing.
3. The provider then injects contrast dye into the joint for an arthrogram.
4. The purpose of the contrast dye is to help highlight details of the ankle joint on X-ray images.
5. After the injection, the provider removes the needle.
6. This code is used to report the radiological supervision and interpretation of X-rays taken during the arthrography procedure of the ankle.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 73615 is used when a healthcare provider performs the radiological supervision and interpretation of X-rays taken during an arthrography procedure of the ankle. The provider must use fluoroscopic guidance to insert a needle into the ankle joint cavity, remove fluid if necessary, inject contrast dye, and interpret the resulting X-ray images.

5. When to use CPT code 73615

CPT code 73615 should be used when a healthcare provider performs the radiological supervision and interpretation of X-rays taken during an arthrography procedure of the ankle. It is important to note that CPT code 73615 should not be reported in conjunction with CPT code 77002.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 73615, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Confirmation of the need for ankle arthrography
• Details of the procedure, including the use of fluoroscopic guidance, needle insertion, fluid removal (if applicable), contrast dye injection, and needle removal
• Date and time of the procedure
• Interpretation of the X-ray images
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the radiological supervision and interpretation

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 73615, ensure that the healthcare provider performing the radiological supervision and interpretation is the one reporting the code. It is important to note that CPT code 73615 should not be reported in conjunction with CPT code 77002. If multiple providers are involved in the procedure, each provider should report the code with reduced service modifier 52 and append modifier 26 to report only the professional component.

8. Historical information

CPT code 73615 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 radiologist performing the radiological supervision and interpretation of X-rays taken during an ankle arthrography procedure.
2. A podiatrist using fluoroscopic guidance to insert a needle into the ankle joint cavity and inject contrast dye for an arthrogram, with a radiologist interpreting the resulting X-ray images.
3. An orthopedic surgeon performing the radiological supervision and interpretation of X-rays taken during an ankle arthrography procedure.
4. A sports medicine physician using fluoroscopic guidance to remove fluid from the ankle joint, inject contrast dye, and interpret the resulting X-ray images.
5. A radiology technician assisting a radiologist in performing the radiological supervision and interpretation of X-rays taken during an ankle arthrography procedure.
6. A rheumatologist using fluoroscopic guidance to inject contrast dye into the ankle joint for an arthrogram, with a radiologist interpreting the resulting X-ray images.
7. An orthopedic nurse assisting a podiatrist in performing the radiological supervision and interpretation of X-rays taken during an ankle arthrography procedure.
8. A radiology resident under the supervision of a radiologist performing the radiological supervision and interpretation of X-rays taken during an ankle arthrography procedure.
9. A sports medicine fellow using fluoroscopic guidance to insert a needle into the ankle joint cavity and inject contrast dye for an arthrogram, with a radiologist supervising and interpreting the resulting X-ray images.
10. A radiology technologist preparing the equipment and assisting a radiologist in performing the radiological supervision and interpretation of X-rays taken during an ankle arthrography procedure.