How To Use CPT Code 77091

CPT code 77091 describes the technical calculation of a patient’s fracture risk based on trabecular bone score. 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 77091?

CPT 77091 can be used to describe the technical calculation performed by a healthcare provider to assess a patient’s fracture risk based on trabecular bone score (TBS). This code is used when the provider uses data and software to calculate the patient’s fracture risk, expressing it as a TBS. Trabecular bone score provides additional information about bone health, complementing bone density testing.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 77091 is: ‘Trabecular bone score (TBS), structural condition of the bone microarchitecture; technical calculation only.’

3. Procedure

1. After capturing data using a dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanner or other imaging device, the healthcare provider uses the data and software to calculate the patient’s fracture risk.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible for CPT 77091 are those who require an assessment of their fracture risk based on trabecular bone score. This code is used when the provider performs the technical calculation of the patient’s fracture risk using the TBS. The patient may have undergone a dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan or other imaging procedure to gather the necessary data for the calculation.

5. When to use CPT code 77091

CPT code 77091 should be used when a healthcare provider performs the technical calculation of a patient’s fracture risk based on trabecular bone score. It is important to note that this code represents the technical calculation only and should not be used for other aspects of trabecular bone score services.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 77091, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Details of the dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan or other imaging procedure performed
• Data used for the calculation of trabecular bone score
• The calculated trabecular bone score (TBS)
• Any additional relevant information related to the technical calculation

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 77091, ensure that the healthcare provider is performing the technical calculation of the patient’s fracture risk based on trabecular bone score. Review the range of codes related to trabecular bone score services to ensure proper code selection. It is important to note that CPT code 77091 should not be reported with other codes related to trabecular bone score services.

8. Historical information

CPT 77091 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 the technical calculation of a patient’s fracture risk based on trabecular bone score (TBS) obtained from a dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan.
2. An orthopedic surgeon using software to calculate the trabecular bone score (TBS) and assess a patient’s fracture risk based on imaging data.
3. A rheumatologist performing the technical calculation of trabecular bone score (TBS) using data obtained from a bone density scan.
4. A nuclear medicine physician using specialized software to calculate the trabecular bone score (TBS) and evaluate a patient’s fracture risk based on imaging results.
5. An endocrinologist performing the technical calculation of trabecular bone score (TBS) using data obtained from a computed tomography (CT) scan.
6. A radiology technician assisting a radiologist in the technical calculation of trabecular bone score (TBS) based on imaging data.
7. A nuclear medicine technologist using software to calculate the trabecular bone score (TBS) and assess a patient’s fracture risk based on imaging results.
8. An orthopedic nurse performing the technical calculation of trabecular bone score (TBS) using data obtained from a bone density scan.
9. A radiology assistant assisting a radiologist in the technical calculation of trabecular bone score (TBS) based on imaging data.
10. A nuclear medicine technologist using specialized software to calculate the trabecular bone score (TBS) and evaluate a patient’s fracture risk based on imaging results.