How To Use CPT Code 77072

CPT 77072 describes the procedure for bone age studies, which involves using X-ray images to determine the degree of skeletal maturity in a child. This article will cover the description, official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 77072?

CPT 77072 can be used to describe the procedure for bone age studies. In this procedure, a healthcare provider takes an X-ray image, typically of the left hand and wrist, to determine the patient’s skeletal age. By comparing the bones in the X-ray to a standard atlas of bone development, the provider can assess the degree of skeletal maturity in a child.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 77072 is: ‘Bone age studies, typically of the left hand and wrist.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider takes an X-ray image, usually of the left hand and wrist, to assess the patient’s skeletal age.
2. The provider compares the bones in the X-ray to a standard atlas of bone development to determine the degree of skeletal maturity.
3. This procedure helps diagnose conditions that affect the physical growth and development of a child by examining the growth plates responsible for bone growth in length.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 77072 is used for bone age studies in children. It is typically performed when there is a need to assess the patient’s skeletal maturity, such as in cases of delayed or accelerated physical growth and development. The procedure is performed by a healthcare provider who compares the X-ray image of the patient’s hand and wrist to a standard atlas of bone development.

5. When to use CPT code 77072

CPT code 77072 should be used when a healthcare provider performs bone age studies, specifically of the left hand and wrist, to determine the patient’s skeletal age. It is important to note that this code is specific to bone age studies and should not be used for other types of X-ray procedures.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 77072, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Reason for performing the bone age study
• Specific X-ray image taken, typically of the left hand and wrist
• Date of the procedure
• Comparison of the patient’s bones to a standard atlas of bone development
• Assessment of the patient’s skeletal maturity
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 77072, ensure that the procedure performed is specifically for bone age studies, typically of the left hand and wrist. It is important to follow payer policies regarding the use of modifiers, such as professional component modifier 26 or technical component modifier TC, if applicable. If reporting a global service in which one provider renders both the professional and technical components, modifiers may not be necessary.

8. Historical information

CPT 77072 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2007. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A pediatrician performing a bone age study on a child with suspected growth delay.
2. An orthopedic surgeon assessing the skeletal maturity of a child with accelerated physical development.
3. A radiologist comparing the bones in an X-ray image of a child’s hand and wrist to a standard atlas of bone development to determine skeletal age.
4. A pediatric endocrinologist using bone age studies to diagnose and manage conditions affecting a child’s growth and development.
5. A pediatric rheumatologist performing bone age studies to monitor the progression of a child’s bone-related condition.
6. A radiology technician taking X-ray images of a child’s left hand and wrist for bone age studies.
7. A healthcare provider using bone age studies to evaluate the effectiveness of growth hormone therapy in a child.
8. A pediatric nurse assisting in the bone age study procedure by positioning the child’s hand and wrist for the X-ray image.
9. A family physician ordering a bone age study to assess the skeletal maturity of a child with suspected hormonal imbalances.
10. A pediatric radiologist interpreting the X-ray images of a child’s hand and wrist to determine skeletal age.