How To Use CPT Code 77089

CPT 77089 describes the assessment and evaluation of a patient’s trabecular bone score using imaging data and software. 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 77089?

CPT 77089 can be used to describe the assessment and evaluation of a patient’s trabecular bone score using imaging data and software. This code is used when a healthcare provider utilizes a dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanner or other imaging device to capture data and assess the patient’s bone structure. The software then analyzes the spatial variations and other elements in the imaging scan to calculate the patient’s trabecular bone score (TBS), which provides information about the patient’s fracture risk.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 77089 is: ‘Trabecular bone score (TBS), structural condition of the bone microarchitecture; using dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) or other imaging data on gray-scale variogram, calculation, with interpretation and report on fracture-risk.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider uses a dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanner or other imaging device to capture data on the patient’s bone structure.
2. The imaging data is then analyzed using software that evaluates spatial variations and other elements in the imaging scan.
3. The software calculates the patient’s trabecular bone score (TBS) based on the analysis of the imaging data.
4. The healthcare provider interprets the TBS and prepares a report on the patient’s fracture risk.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible to receive CPT 77089 services are those who require an assessment of their trabecular bone score to evaluate their fracture risk. This code is used when a healthcare provider utilizes imaging data and software to calculate the TBS. The service requires the use of a dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanner or other imaging device to capture the necessary data for analysis.

5. When to use CPT code 77089

CPT code 77089 should be used when a healthcare provider performs an assessment and evaluation of a patient’s trabecular bone score using imaging data and software. This code is appropriate when the provider utilizes a dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanner or other imaging device to capture the necessary data for analysis. It is important to note that CPT code 77089 should not be reported in conjunction with codes 77090, 77091, or 77092.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 77089, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s medical history and reason for the assessment
• Details of the imaging device used (e.g., dual X-ray absorptiometry scanner)
• Date of the assessment
• Results of the analysis, including the trabecular bone score (TBS)
• Interpretation of the TBS and report on the patient’s fracture risk
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the assessment

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 77089, ensure that the healthcare provider performs the assessment using a dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanner or other imaging device. It is important to note that CPT code 77089 should not be reported in conjunction with codes 77090, 77091, or 77092. Review the range of codes 77089-77092 to ensure proper code selection.

8. Historical information

CPT code 77089 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2022. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A radiologist performing an assessment and evaluation of a patient’s trabecular bone score using a dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanner.
2. An orthopedic surgeon utilizing an imaging device to capture data and calculate a patient’s trabecular bone score (TBS) for fracture risk assessment.
3. A rheumatologist interpreting the results of a patient’s trabecular bone score assessment and preparing a report on the patient’s fracture risk.
4. A nuclear medicine physician using specialized software to analyze imaging data and calculate a patient’s trabecular bone score (TBS).
5. A radiology technologist performing a trabecular bone score assessment using a dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanner and providing the results to a healthcare provider for interpretation.