How To Use CPT Code 73650

CPT 73650 describes a radiologic examination of the calcaneus, or heel bone, using a minimum of two X-ray 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 73650?

CPT 73650 is used to describe a radiologic examination of the calcaneus, which involves taking a minimum of two X-ray views of the heel bone. This procedure is performed to assess injuries, fractures, arthritis, tumors, or congenital abnormalities in the calcaneus.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 73650 is: ‘Radiologic examination; calcaneus, minimum of 2 views.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider positions the patient’s heel in a stable position.
2. Depending on the situation, the provider takes at least two X-ray views of the calcaneus, such as anteroposterior (AP), lateral, or transverse views.
3. An X-ray machine sends a beam of radiation through the patient’s heel, and a computer or special film records the image.
4. The resulting X-ray image shows the calcaneus, with dense body parts like bones appearing white and softer tissues like muscles appearing darker.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 73650 is used when a minimum of two X-ray views of the calcaneus are taken to assess injuries, fractures, arthritis, tumors, or congenital abnormalities. The procedure is performed by a healthcare provider who positions the patient’s heel and selects the appropriate views for imaging.

5. When to use CPT code 73650

CPT code 73650 should be used when a minimum of two X-ray views of the calcaneus are taken to evaluate specific conditions or abnormalities in the heel bone. It is important to ensure that the documentation clearly describes each view taken during the radiology service and the patient’s body position. Modifier 26 should be appended if reporting only the physician’s interpretation, and modifier TC should be appended if reporting only the technical component of the radiology service.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 73650, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Description of each view taken, such as AP, lateral, or transverse
• Patient’s body position during the examination
• Date and time of the procedure
• Indication for the examination, including the reason for assessing the calcaneus
• Any additional findings or observations made during the examination
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing or interpreting the examination

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 73650, ensure that a minimum of two X-ray views of the calcaneus are taken. Modifier 26 should be appended if reporting only the physician’s interpretation, and modifier TC should be appended if reporting only the technical component. It is important to review payer policies regarding the use of modifiers and the reporting of global services. Additionally, consider the location of the testing facility when coding radiology services.

8. Historical information

CPT 73650 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code underwent a change on January 1, 2009, with the description being updated to specify a minimum of two views of the calcaneus.

9. Examples

1. A patient presents with heel pain following a fall. The healthcare provider performs a radiologic examination of the calcaneus, taking two X-ray views to assess for any fractures or injuries.
2. An individual with a history of arthritis in the heel seeks evaluation for worsening symptoms. The healthcare provider orders a radiologic examination of the calcaneus, capturing two X-ray views to assess the extent of arthritis.
3. A patient with a suspected tumor in the heel undergoes a radiologic examination of the calcaneus, with two X-ray views taken to evaluate the presence and characteristics of the tumor.
4. A newborn is born with a congenital abnormality in the heel bone. The healthcare provider performs a radiologic examination, taking a minimum of two X-ray views to assess the abnormality and plan appropriate treatment.
5. An athlete presents with persistent heel pain. The healthcare provider orders a radiologic examination of the calcaneus, capturing two X-ray views to evaluate for any stress fractures or other injuries.
6. A patient with a history of trauma to the heel undergoes a radiologic examination, with two X-ray views taken to assess for any fractures or abnormalities resulting from the injury.
7. An individual with chronic heel pain seeks evaluation for possible arthritis. The healthcare provider performs a radiologic examination of the calcaneus, taking two X-ray views to assess for signs of arthritis.
8. A patient with a family history of heel tumors undergoes a radiologic examination, with two X-ray views taken to screen for any abnormalities or tumors in the calcaneus.
9. An individual with a congenital abnormality in the heel bone undergoes a follow-up radiologic examination, with two X-ray views taken to monitor the progression or changes in the abnormality.
10. A patient with persistent heel pain following a fall undergoes a radiologic examination of the calcaneus, with two X-ray views taken to assess for any fractures or injuries that may have occurred.