How To Use CPT Code 74430

CPT 74430 describes the imaging supervision and interpretation of cystography, which involves visualizing the urinary bladder using X-ray images. 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 74430?

CPT 74430 can be used to represent the imaging supervision and interpretation of cystography, a procedure that allows healthcare providers to visualize the urinary bladder using X-ray images. The provider takes and reviews a minimum of three views during this service to identify any possible rupture or leakage of the bladder.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 74430 is: ‘Cystography, minimum of 3 views, radiological supervision and interpretation.’

3. Procedure

1. In this procedure, the healthcare provider inserts a catheter into the urethra up to the bladder.
2. Contrast material is then injected through the catheter into the bladder.
3. The provider removes the catheter and takes X-rays while the bladder is full.
4. After draining the bladder, additional X-rays are taken.
5. The radiology provider studies the X-ray images to identify any possible rupture or leakage of the bladder.
6. A minimum of three views are taken during this procedure.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 74430 is performed when the healthcare provider needs to visualize the urinary bladder using X-ray images. This procedure is commonly used to investigate conditions such as infections, tumors, or stones. It is important to note that CPT 74430 represents only the imaging supervision and interpretation for this procedure.

5. When to use CPT code 74430

CPT code 74430 should be used when the healthcare provider performs the imaging supervision and interpretation of cystography, taking a minimum of three views to visualize the urinary bladder using X-ray images. This code should be reported separately for the professional component of the service.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 74430, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Reason for performing cystography and the need for imaging supervision and interpretation
• Details of the procedure, including the insertion of the catheter, injection of contrast material, and X-ray imaging
• Number of views taken during the procedure
• Findings from the X-ray images, including any identified rupture or leakage of the bladder
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the imaging supervision and interpretation

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 74430, ensure that the healthcare provider performs the imaging supervision and interpretation of cystography, taking a minimum of three views. If the radiology service is supervised by one provider and interpreted by another, both providers should report the radiology code with reduced service modifier 52. The provider performing the professional component should append modifier 26 to the code, while the provider performing the technical component should append modifier TC. However, it is important to review payer policies regarding the use of these modifiers, as hospitals may be exempt from appending modifier TC. If one provider renders both the professional and technical components, no modifier is necessary.

8. Historical information

CPT 74430 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code underwent a change on January 1, 2008, with the updated description being ‘Cystography, minimum of three views, radiological supervision and interpretation.’

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoes cystography to investigate possible bladder rupture after a traumatic injury. The healthcare provider performs imaging supervision and interpretation, taking a minimum of three views to visualize the urinary bladder using X-ray images.
2. A patient with recurring urinary tract infections undergoes cystography to identify any abnormalities in the bladder. The healthcare provider performs imaging supervision and interpretation, taking a minimum of three views to visualize the urinary bladder using X-ray images.
3. A patient with suspected bladder stones undergoes cystography to confirm the presence and location of the stones. The healthcare provider performs imaging supervision and interpretation, taking a minimum of three views to visualize the urinary bladder using X-ray images.
4. A patient with a history of bladder tumors undergoes cystography to monitor the progression of the disease. The healthcare provider performs imaging supervision and interpretation, taking a minimum of three views to visualize the urinary bladder using X-ray images.
5. A patient with urinary incontinence undergoes cystography to assess the function and structure of the bladder. The healthcare provider performs imaging supervision and interpretation, taking a minimum of three views to visualize the urinary bladder using X-ray images.
6. A patient with suspected bladder trauma undergoes cystography to identify any possible rupture or leakage. The healthcare provider performs imaging supervision and interpretation, taking a minimum of three views to visualize the urinary bladder using X-ray images.
7. A patient with recurrent urinary retention undergoes cystography to evaluate the bladder function. The healthcare provider performs imaging supervision and interpretation, taking a minimum of three views to visualize the urinary bladder using X-ray images.
8. A patient with a history of bladder infections undergoes cystography to assess the condition of the bladder. The healthcare provider performs imaging supervision and interpretation, taking a minimum of three views to visualize the urinary bladder using X-ray images.
9. A patient with urinary urgency and frequency undergoes cystography to investigate the underlying cause. The healthcare provider performs imaging supervision and interpretation, taking a minimum of three views to visualize the urinary bladder using X-ray images.
10. A patient with suspected bladder diverticulum undergoes cystography to confirm the diagnosis. The healthcare provider performs imaging supervision and interpretation, taking a minimum of three views to visualize the urinary bladder using X-ray images.