How To Use CPT Code 76140

CPT 76140 describes the process of providing a written consultation report for an X-ray examination performed at another site. This article will cover the description, official details, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 76140?

CPT 76140 can be used to report the consultation on an X-ray examination that was conducted at a different location. The provider reviews the X-ray image and provides a written consultation report to the requesting physician. This code does not involve any face-to-face interaction with the patient, and the provider’s role is to interpret the existing study and provide their opinion.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 76140 is: ‘Consultation on X-ray examination made elsewhere, written report.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider receives an X-ray image that was performed at another site.
2. They carefully examine the image to interpret and analyze the findings.
3. The provider prepares a written consultation report that includes their professional opinion on the specific X-ray study.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 76140 is applicable when a provider is requested to review an X-ray image that was conducted at a different location. The consultation report is typically sought to obtain the provider’s interpretation and opinion on the specific X-ray study. This code does not involve any direct interaction with the patient.

5. When to use CPT code 76140

CPT code 76140 should be used when a provider is asked to review an X-ray image performed elsewhere and provide a written consultation report. It is important to note that this code does not cover face-to-face time with the patient, as it solely focuses on the interpretation and analysis of the existing study.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 76140, the provider must document the following information:

• Details of the X-ray examination performed at another site
• The provider’s interpretation and analysis of the image
• Date of the consultation
• Written consultation report with the provider’s opinion

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 76140, it is important to report it per exam, not per film. If the consultation involves multiple exams, such as CT of the thorax and CT of the abdomen, multiple units of CPT 76140 may be reported based on payer policy. Modifier 26 should not be appended to this code, as it represents a professional service.

8. Historical information

CPT 76140 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A radiologist providing a written consultation report on an X-ray image of a patient’s chest taken at another facility.
2. An orthopedic specialist reviewing an X-ray image of a patient’s fractured wrist performed at an urgent care center and providing a written consultation report.
3. A neurologist examining an X-ray image of a patient’s skull taken at a different hospital and preparing a written consultation report.
4. A cardiologist reviewing an X-ray image of a patient’s heart conducted at a different imaging center and providing a written consultation report.
5. A pediatrician examining an X-ray image of a child’s abdomen taken at another clinic and preparing a written consultation report.
6. A radiologist providing a written consultation report on an X-ray image of a patient’s spine taken at a different radiology practice.
7. An oncologist reviewing an X-ray image of a patient’s lungs performed at a different facility and providing a written consultation report.
8. A urologist examining an X-ray image of a patient’s kidneys taken at a different hospital and preparing a written consultation report.
9. A gastroenterologist reviewing an X-ray image of a patient’s digestive system conducted at another imaging center and providing a written consultation report.
10. A pulmonologist examining an X-ray image of a patient’s chest taken at a different radiology practice and preparing a written consultation report.