How To Use CPT Code 77074

CPT 77074 describes the radiologic examination of specific bones in the body to evaluate conditions such as the spread of cancer. 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 77074?

CPT 77074 can be used to describe a radiologic examination of targeted bones in the body to assess the spread of cancer or evaluate other bone conditions. This code is used when the provider performs a limited study focusing on specific bones.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 77074 is: ‘Radiologic examination, osseous survey; limited (eg, for metastases)’. This code is used when the provider performs an X-ray study on a small number of targeted bones to evaluate the spread of cancer or other bone conditions.

3. Procedure

1. The provider performs a series of X-rays on specific bones of the body.
2. The X-ray study is limited and focuses on a small number of targeted bones.
3. The goal of the procedure is to evaluate the spread of cancer or assess other bone conditions.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible for CPT 77074 are those who require a radiologic examination of specific bones to evaluate the spread of cancer or assess other bone conditions. This code is used when the provider performs a limited study targeting specific bones. It is important to note that this code is not appropriate for a complete radiological study of bones.

5. When to use CPT code 77074

CPT code 77074 should be used when the provider performs a limited radiologic examination of specific bones to evaluate the spread of cancer or assess other bone conditions. It should not be used for a complete radiological study of bones, which would require a different code.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 77074, the provider must document the following information:

• Reason for the radiologic examination and the need to evaluate the spread of cancer or assess other bone conditions
• Specific bones targeted in the limited study
• Date and time of the procedure
• Results of the examination and any relevant findings
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 77074, ensure that the provider performs a limited radiologic examination of specific bones to evaluate the spread of cancer or assess other bone conditions. This code should not be reported for a complete radiological study of bones, which would require a different code. 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.

8. Historical information

CPT 77074 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 patient with a history of breast cancer undergoes a limited radiologic examination of specific bones to evaluate for metastases.
2. A patient with suspected bone fractures undergoes a limited radiologic examination of targeted bones to assess the extent of the fractures.
3. A patient with a known bone tumor undergoes a limited radiologic examination of specific bones to evaluate the tumor’s growth and spread.
4. A patient with a history of prostate cancer undergoes a limited radiologic examination of targeted bones to assess for bone metastases.
5. A patient with unexplained bone pain undergoes a limited radiologic examination of specific bones to identify potential underlying causes.