How To Use CPT Code 73630

CPT 73630 is a diagnostic radiologic examination code for the foot, requiring 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 73630 procedures.

1. What is CPT 73630?

CPT 73630 is a diagnostic radiologic examination code used for the foot. It requires a minimum of three views to assess injury, fracture, arthritis, tumor, or congenital abnormality. This code is essential for medical professionals to accurately document and bill for the specific services provided during a radiologic examination of the foot.

2. 73630 CPT code description

The official description of CPT code 73630 is: “Radiologic examination, foot; complete, minimum of 3 views.”

3. Procedure

1. The provider places the patient’s foot in a stable position.
2. Depending on the situation, the provider performs the imaging from different views and positions such as the anteroposterior (AP), lateral, or transverse.
3. An X-ray machine sends a beam of radiation through the patient’s foot, and a computer or special film records the image.
4. Dense body parts such as bones appear white on the X-ray image as they absorb much of the radiation, while softer body tissues, such as muscles, appear darker.
5. Use CPT code 73630 if the provider takes at least three views of the foot.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible to receive CPT code 73630 services are those who require a radiologic examination of the foot to assess injury, fracture, arthritis, tumor, or congenital abnormality. The provider must take a minimum of three views of the foot to qualify for this code. If only two views are taken, CPT code 73620 should be used instead.

5. When to use CPT code 73630

It is appropriate to bill the 73630 CPT code when a provider performs a radiologic examination of the foot, taking a minimum of three views to assess injury, fracture, arthritis, tumor, or congenital abnormality. If the examination requires fewer views, an alternative CPT code should be used.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 73630, the provider’s documentation must clearly describe each view taken during the radiology service. The documentation should include the patient’s body position and projection of the X-ray to assign the correct number of views. Additionally, if the provider is only reporting the interpretation or technical component of the radiology service, the appropriate modifier (26 for professional component or TC for technical component) should be appended to the radiology code.

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 73630, ensure that the provider’s documentation clearly describes each view taken during the radiology service. Check the documentation for the patient’s body position and projection of the X-ray to assign the correct number of views. If reporting only the physician’s interpretation for the radiology service, append professional component modifier 26 to the radiology code. If reporting only the technical component for the radiology service, append modifier TC to the radiology code. However, payer policy may exempt hospitals from appending modifier TC because the hospital’s portion is inherently technical. Do not append a professional or technical modifier to the radiology code when reporting a global service in which one provider renders both the professional and technical components.

8. Historical information

CPT 73630 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, foot; complete, minimum of three views.”

9. Similar codes to CPT 73630

• CPT 73600: A radiologic examination of the ankle with only two views.
• CPT 73610: A radiologic examination of the ankle with a minimum of three views.
• CPT 73615: A radiologic examination of the ankle with stress views.
• CPT 73620: A radiologic examination of the foot with only two views.
• CPT 73650: A radiologic examination of the calcaneus (heel) with a minimum of two views.

10. Examples

1. A patient with a suspected foot fracture requires a radiologic examination with anteroposterior, lateral, and oblique views.
2. A patient with a history of arthritis needs a radiologic examination of the foot with three views to assess joint degeneration.
3. A patient with a suspected foot tumor requires a radiologic examination with three views to determine the size and location of the tumor.
4. A patient with a congenital foot abnormality needs a radiologic examination with three views to assess the severity of the deformity.
5. A patient with a foot injury from a sports accident requires a radiologic examination with three views to determine the extent of the injury.
6. A patient with a suspected stress fracture in the foot needs a radiologic examination with three views to confirm the diagnosis.
7. A patient with a history of foot surgery requires a radiologic examination with three views to assess the healing process.
8. A patient with a suspected infection in the foot bones needs a radiologic examination with three views to determine the extent of the infection.
9. A patient with a suspected dislocation of the foot joints requires a radiologic examination with three views to confirm the diagnosis.
10. A patient with a history of foot pain and swelling needs a radiologic examination with three views to assess the underlying cause.