How To Use CPT Code 77077

CPT 77077 describes the procedure for a joint survey study of two or more joints, where only a single view of each joint is performed. 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 77077?

CPT 77077 can be used to describe a joint survey study of two or more joints, where the provider performs a single view of each joint. This code is typically used to evaluate arthritis or other conditions affecting multiple joints. It involves the use of X-rays to examine specific body structures and diagnose, manage, or treat diseases.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 77077 is: ‘Joint survey, single view, 2 or more joints (specify).’ This code is used when the provider performs a single view of two or more joints during a joint survey study.

3. Procedure

1. The provider begins by conducting a joint survey study, which involves examining two or more joints.
2. During the study, the provider performs a single view of each joint being examined.
3. The X-ray projection used for each joint may vary depending on the specific body structure being evaluated.
4. For example, a posteroanterior (PA) view may be taken for each hand, where the X-ray travels from the back to the front.
5. The provider ensures that the necessary images are captured to accurately assess the condition of the joints.
6. Once the images are obtained, they are analyzed and interpreted to make a diagnosis or evaluate the progression of a disease.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 77077 is typically used when a joint survey study is performed on two or more joints, and only a single view of each joint is taken. This procedure is commonly used to evaluate arthritis or other conditions affecting multiple joints. It is important to specify the joints being examined when reporting this code.

5. When to use CPT code 77077

CPT code 77077 should be used when a joint survey study is conducted, and the provider performs a single view of two or more joints. This code is appropriate when evaluating conditions such as arthritis or other diseases affecting multiple joints. It is important to accurately document the specific joints being examined to ensure proper coding and billing.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 77077, the provider must document the following information:

• The specific joints being examined during the joint survey study
• The single view performed for each joint
• The date and time of the procedure
• Any additional relevant findings or observations
• The provider’s interpretation and analysis of the images
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 77077, ensure that the provider performs a single view of two or more joints during a joint survey study. It is important to accurately specify the joints being examined. 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. However, be aware that payer policies may exempt hospitals from appending modifier TC. When reporting a global service where one provider renders both the professional and technical components, do not append a professional or technical modifier to the radiology code.

8. Historical information

CPT 77077 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 radiologist performing a joint survey study of the knees, obtaining a single view of each knee.
2. An orthopedic surgeon conducting a joint survey study of the shoulders, capturing a single view of each shoulder.
3. A rheumatologist evaluating multiple joints in a patient with suspected arthritis, taking a single view of each joint.
4. A sports medicine physician performing a joint survey study of the ankles and wrists, obtaining a single view of each joint.
5. An oncologist assessing the progression of bone metastases, conducting a joint survey study of the spine and hips, and capturing a single view of each joint.
6. A podiatrist evaluating the feet for signs of degenerative joint disease, performing a joint survey study and obtaining a single view of each foot.
7. An interventional radiologist conducting a joint survey study of the elbows, taking a single view of each elbow to guide a therapeutic procedure.
8. A pediatrician assessing the growth and development of a child’s hands, performing a joint survey study and capturing a single view of each hand.
9. An occupational therapist evaluating the range of motion in a patient’s wrists and fingers, conducting a joint survey study and obtaining a single view of each joint.
10. A chiropractor assessing the alignment of the spine, performing a joint survey study and taking a single view of each vertebral joint.