How To Use CPT Code 77073

CPT 77073 describes the imaging of the lower extremity from hips to ankle to measure the difference in the length of the legs. 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 77073?

CPT 77073 can be used to describe the imaging of the lower extremity from hips to ankle in order to measure the difference in the length of the legs. This code is used when a provider uses X-ray, computed radiography, microdose digital radiography, ultrasonography, CT, or MRI to perform bone length studies.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 77073 is: ‘Bone length studies (orthoroentgenogram, scanogram).’ This code includes the imaging of the hips, legs, knees, and ankles with a reference ruler beneath the patient to accurately measure the difference in limb length on both sides. It can be performed using an orthoroentgenogram, which is a single exposure on a long X-ray cassette, or a scanogram, which consists of three separate low X-ray exposures taken over a single cassette.

3. Procedure

1. The provider positions the patient and places a reference ruler beneath the lower extremity.
2. The provider images the hips, legs, knees, and ankles using X-ray, computed radiography, microdose digital radiography, ultrasonography, CT, or MRI.
3. The provider measures the difference in limb length on both sides using the reference ruler.
4. The provider may also assess for any deformities in the frontal plane view.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 77073 is typically performed to determine leg length and differences in length caused by conditions such as congenital disorders, infection, tumor, or trauma. It is used when there is a need to measure the difference in limb length and assess for any deformities in the lower extremity.

5. When to use CPT code 77073

CPT code 77073 should be used when a provider performs bone length studies using X-ray, computed radiography, microdose digital radiography, ultrasonography, CT, or MRI. It is appropriate when there is a need to measure the difference in limb length and assess for any deformities in the lower extremity.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 77073, the provider must document the following information:

• Reason for performing the bone length study
• Type of imaging modality used (X-ray, computed radiography, microdose digital radiography, ultrasonography, CT, or MRI)
• Date of the study
• Measurement of the difference in limb length on both sides
• Assessment of any deformities in the frontal plane view

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 77073, ensure that the provider performs bone length studies using the specified imaging modalities. It is important to accurately measure the difference in limb length and assess for any deformities. CPT code 77073 can be reported with modifier 26 for professional component billing, and the facility should report it with modifier TC for technical component billing. It is important to note that CPT 77073 is not limited to radiographs and can also be used for other imaging modalities such as computed radiography, microdose digital radiography, ultrasonography, CT, and MRI.

8. Historical information

CPT 77073 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 provider performs an X-ray bone length study on a patient with a congenital limb length discrepancy.
2. A provider uses CT to measure the difference in limb length in a patient who has undergone limb-lengthening surgery.
3. An ultrasonography bone length study is performed on an infant with suspected skeletal dysplasia.
4. A provider uses MRI to assess for any deformities in the frontal plane view in a patient with a history of trauma to the lower extremity.
5. A provider performs a bone length study using computed radiography to evaluate a patient with a suspected tumor in the lower extremity.
6. A provider uses microdose digital radiography to measure the difference in limb length in a patient with an infection in the lower extremity.
7. An X-ray bone length study is performed on a patient with a history of trauma to assess for any deformities in the frontal plane view.
8. A provider uses CT to measure the difference in limb length in a patient with a congenital disorder affecting the lower extremity.
9. An ultrasonography bone length study is performed on a patient with a suspected infection in the lower extremity.
10. A provider performs an MRI bone length study on a patient with a suspected tumor in the lower extremity.