How To Use CPT Code 77081

CPT 77081 describes the procedure for a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) bone density study of the appendicular skeleton. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 77081?

CPT 77081 is used to describe the procedure for a DXA bone density study of the appendicular skeleton. This noninvasive procedure measures the amount of minerals per unit area of bone, known as bone mineral density (BMD). It is commonly used to assess the risk of osteoporosis and osteopenia, conditions characterized by low bone density.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 77081 is: ‘Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), bone density study, 1 or more sites; appendicular skeleton (peripheral) (eg, radius, wrist, heel).’ This code specifically refers to the measurement of bone density in the appendicular skeleton, which includes sites such as the radius, wrist, and heel.

3. Procedure

1. The patient is positioned on a table while fully clothed.
2. The DXA scanner is positioned over a peripheral site, such as the radius, wrist, or heel.
3. Two X-ray beams with differing energy levels are directed at the patient’s bones.
4. The provider determines the bone mineral density by measuring the absorption of each X-ray beam and subtracting the absorption of soft tissue.
5. The results are interpreted by a physician to assess the patient’s bone health.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 77081 is typically used for patients who require an assessment of their bone mineral density. This may include individuals at risk for osteoporosis or osteopenia, such as postmenopausal women, older adults, or those with a history of fractures. The procedure is performed by a qualified healthcare professional, and the DXA scanner is used to measure bone density in the appendicular skeleton.

5. When to use CPT code 77081

CPT code 77081 should be used when performing a DXA bone density study of the appendicular skeleton. This code is appropriate for assessing bone density in sites such as the radius, wrist, or heel. It should not be used for DXA body composition studies, which require a different code (76499).

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 77081, the healthcare professional must document the following information:

• Reason for the bone density study
• Specific sites measured (e.g., radius, wrist, heel)
• Date of the procedure
• Results of the bone density measurement
• Interpretation of the results by a physician

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 77081, ensure that the procedure is performed on the appendicular skeleton and that the specific sites measured are documented. It is important to follow the guidelines for proper coding and documentation to ensure accurate reimbursement. CPT code 77081 should not be reported with other codes for DXA body composition studies (76499).

8. Historical information

CPT 77081 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 postmenopausal woman undergoes a DXA bone density study of her wrist to assess her risk for osteoporosis.
2. An older adult with a history of fractures receives a DXA bone density study of their heel to monitor their bone health.
3. A patient with osteopenia undergoes a DXA bone density study of their radius to evaluate the effectiveness of their treatment plan.
4. A male athlete receives a DXA bone density study of his wrist to assess the impact of his training on bone health.
5. A patient with a family history of osteoporosis undergoes a DXA bone density study of their heel to determine their risk for the condition.
6. A postmenopausal woman receives a DXA bone density study of her radius and wrist to assess her overall bone health.
7. An older adult with chronic kidney disease undergoes a DXA bone density study of their heel to monitor the impact of their condition on bone health.
8. A patient with rheumatoid arthritis receives a DXA bone density study of their wrist to assess the impact of the disease on bone density.
9. A young adult with a history of fractures undergoes a DXA bone density study of their radius to evaluate their bone health.
10. A postmenopausal woman receives a DXA bone density study of her heel to assess her risk for osteoporosis and guide treatment decisions.