How To Use CPT Code 74021

CPT 74021 describes a radiologic examination of the abdomen that involves three or more 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 74021?

CPT 74021 is used to report a radiologic examination of the abdomen that requires three or more X-ray views. This code is used to diagnose certain abdominal problems by capturing images of the structures and organs in the abdomen.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 74021 is: ‘Radiologic examination, abdomen; 3 or more views.’

3. Procedure

1. The patient is positioned either in a standing or lying position, depending on the preference of the healthcare provider.
2. If the standing position is chosen, the patient is asked to step behind a wall where the X-ray machine is located and stand straight in front of the machine.
3. If the lying position is chosen, the patient is asked to lie down on a bed, and the X-ray machine is positioned over the abdomen.
4. The healthcare provider instructs the patient to hold their breath and remain still for 2-3 seconds while the X-ray pictures are taken.
5. Three or more X-ray views are captured to ensure a comprehensive examination of the abdomen.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 74021 is used when three or more X-ray views are necessary to diagnose certain abdominal problems. This code may be required when gas or bowel content obscures part or all of an organ, making it necessary to capture additional views for a more accurate diagnosis.

5. When to use CPT code 74021

CPT code 74021 should be used when a radiologic examination of the abdomen is performed, and three or more X-ray views are taken. This code is appropriate for diagnosing specific abdominal problems and should not be used for other types of radiologic examinations or fewer than three views.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 74021, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Reason for the radiologic examination of the abdomen
• Number and specific views taken during the examination
• Patient’s body position during the procedure
• Projection of the X-ray images
• Any additional relevant details or findings

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 74021, ensure that the radiologic examination of the abdomen includes three or more X-ray views. It is important to accurately document the number of views taken and the patient’s body position during the procedure. If only the physician’s interpretation is being reported, append modifier 26 to the radiology code. If only the technical component is being reported, append modifier TC to the radiology code. However, be aware that payer policies may exempt hospitals from appending modifier TC. If both the professional and technical components are provided by the same provider, do not append any modifiers.

8. Historical information

CPT code 74021 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2018. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoes a radiologic examination of the abdomen with three views to diagnose a suspected gastrointestinal obstruction.
2. A healthcare provider performs a radiologic examination of the abdomen with four views to assess the position and condition of a patient’s kidney stones.
3. Three X-ray views of the abdomen are taken to evaluate the extent of a patient’s liver enlargement.
4. A radiologic examination of the abdomen with five views is performed to investigate the presence of a suspected abdominal mass.
5. A patient undergoes a radiologic examination of the abdomen with three views to assess the placement and function of a feeding tube.
6. Four X-ray views of the abdomen are taken to evaluate the presence and severity of a patient’s bowel obstruction.
7. A healthcare provider performs a radiologic examination of the abdomen with three views to assess the position and integrity of a patient’s abdominal implants.
8. Three X-ray views of the abdomen are taken to evaluate the presence and location of a patient’s abdominal hernia.
9. A radiologic examination of the abdomen with four views is performed to investigate the presence and extent of a patient’s abdominal trauma.
10. A patient undergoes a radiologic examination of the abdomen with three views to assess the presence and size of a suspected abdominal aortic aneurysm.