How To Use CPT Code 73706

CPT 73706 describes the procedure of computed tomographic angiography (CTA) of the lower extremity. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 73706?

CPT 73706 can be used to describe the diagnostic radiology procedure of computed tomographic angiography (CTA) of the lower extremity. This code is used when a provider performs a CT examination of the pelvic blood vessels to diagnose, manage, and treat diseases such as aneurysms or blood clots in the lower extremities.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 73706 is: ‘Computed tomographic angiography, lower extremity, with contrast material(s), including noncontrast images, if performed, and image postprocessing.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider places the patient in a supine position on the CT scanner table.
2. An intravenous (IV) line is inserted into the patient’s arm or hand to administer contrast material.
3. The provider supervises the placement of the IV, administration of contrast, and the actual image acquisition of the lower extremity.
4. The CT scanner moves around the patient’s body and takes pictures of the lower extremity.
5. The images are displayed on a monitor screen for the provider to review and analyze.
6. The provider performs a diagnostic interpretation of the results and prepares a written report of their findings.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 73706 is performed for screening of arterial disease and to help detect aneurysms, thrombosis, and ischemia in the arteries of the lower extremities. It is typically used when there is a need to evaluate the blood vessels in the femur, knee, tibia, fibula, and ankle. The procedure involves the use of contrast material and may include noncontrast images if necessary.

5. When to use CPT code 73706

CPT code 73706 should be used when a provider performs a computed tomographic angiography of the lower extremity with contrast material(s), including noncontrast images if performed, and image postprocessing. It is important to ensure that the procedure is specifically focused on the lower extremity and not other areas of the body.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 73706, the provider must document the following information:

• Reason for performing the CTA of the lower extremity
• Details of the contrast material(s) used, including the route of administration
• Whether noncontrast images were performed
• Date and time of the procedure
• Specific areas of the lower extremity studied
• Diagnostic interpretation and findings
• Written report of the results

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 73706, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria outlined in the official description. It is important to accurately report the use of contrast material(s) and whether noncontrast images were performed. Modifier TC should be appended to the code when reporting only the technical component, and modifier 26 should be appended when reporting only the professional component. However, payer policies may vary, so it is important to review specific guidelines for modifier usage.

8. Historical information

CPT 73706 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2001. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A radiologist performing a computed tomographic angiography of the lower extremity to evaluate a patient with suspected peripheral arterial disease.
2. A vascular surgeon using CTA of the lower extremity to assess the presence of an aneurysm in a patient’s leg.
3. An interventional radiologist performing CTA of the lower extremity to guide the placement of a stent in a patient with a blocked artery.
4. An orthopedic surgeon using CTA of the lower extremity to evaluate the extent of a fracture in a patient’s leg.
5. A podiatrist utilizing CTA of the lower extremity to assess the blood flow in a patient’s foot with diabetic neuropathy.
6. A cardiologist performing CTA of the lower extremity to evaluate a patient with suspected deep vein thrombosis.
7. An emergency medicine physician using CTA of the lower extremity to rule out arterial injury in a trauma patient.
8. A vascular technologist assisting in the acquisition of CTA images of the lower extremity for a patient undergoing preoperative planning for a bypass surgery.
9. A rheumatologist utilizing CTA of the lower extremity to assess the presence of vasculitis in a patient with suspected systemic lupus erythematosus.
10. A radiology resident performing CTA of the lower extremity under the supervision of an attending radiologist to gain experience in interpreting vascular imaging studies.