How To Use CPT Code 74710

CPT 74710 describes the procedure of pelvimetry, which involves measuring the bony pelvic dimensions of a patient in labor to determine if the baby’s head will fit through the outlet. 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 74710?

CPT 74710 is used to describe the procedure of pelvimetry, which is an X-ray examination that measures the bony pelvic dimensions of a patient in labor. This procedure helps determine if the baby’s head will be able to pass through the pelvic outlet during delivery. The imaging may or may not include the localization of the placenta, which is an organ that develops within the womb during pregnancy and facilitates metabolic exchange between the fetus and the mother.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 74710 is: ‘Pelvimetry, with or without placental localization.’

3. Procedure

1. The patient is positioned on an X-ray table.
2. The technician performs the pelvimetry procedure by sending low-power radiation through the pelvis to outline the bony structures.
3. The bony structures are measured to determine the adequacy of the pelvic dimensions for a normal vaginal delivery.
4. The imaging may or may not include the localization of the placenta.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 74710 is performed when there is a need to assess the bony pelvic dimensions of a patient in labor. This procedure is typically used to determine if a normal vaginal delivery is possible. It is important to note that most abnormalities of the female pelvis can be identified using clinical measurements, but X-ray pelvimetry provides the most accurate assessment of pelvic adequacy.

5. When to use CPT code 74710

CPT code 74710 should be used when there is a need to perform pelvimetry to assess the bony pelvic dimensions of a patient in labor. It is important to consider the clinical indications and the necessity of the procedure in each individual case. This code should not be used for routine prenatal care or for non-laboring patients.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 74710, the following documentation is required:

• Indication for performing pelvimetry
• Description of the procedure performed, including whether placental localization was included
• Date of the procedure
• Results of the pelvimetry, including measurements of the bony pelvic dimensions
• Signature of the healthcare professional performing or interpreting the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 74710, it is important to follow the appropriate guidelines:

• 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. Note that payer policy may exempt hospitals from appending modifier TC.
• Do not append a professional or technical modifier when reporting a global service in which one provider renders both components.

8. Historical information

CPT 74710 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient in labor undergoes pelvimetry to assess the bony pelvic dimensions and determine if a normal vaginal delivery is possible.
2. Pelvimetry is performed on a patient with suspected pelvic abnormalities to evaluate the adequacy of the pelvic dimensions for a vaginal delivery.
3. A pregnant patient with a history of previous difficult deliveries undergoes pelvimetry to assess the bony pelvic dimensions and plan for a safe delivery.
4. Pelvimetry is performed on a patient with a suspected contracted pelvis to determine if a vaginal delivery is feasible.
5. A patient with a breech presentation undergoes pelvimetry to assess the bony pelvic dimensions and determine the best mode of delivery.
6. Pelvimetry is performed on a patient with a suspected large fetal head to evaluate the adequacy of the pelvic dimensions for a vaginal delivery.
7. A patient with a history of pelvic fractures undergoes pelvimetry to assess the bony pelvic dimensions and plan for a safe delivery.
8. Pelvimetry is performed on a patient with suspected fetal macrosomia to determine if a vaginal delivery is possible.
9. A pregnant patient with a history of previous cesarean section undergoes pelvimetry to assess the bony pelvic dimensions and determine the feasibility of a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC).
10. Pelvimetry is performed on a patient with suspected pelvic tumors to evaluate the adequacy of the pelvic dimensions for a vaginal delivery.