How To Use CPT Code 78351

CPT 78351 describes the procedure for a bone density study using dual photon absorptiometry. 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 78351?

CPT 78351 is used to describe a bone density study that measures the bone mineral density (BMD) using dual photon absorptiometry. This procedure involves the use of two different energy photon beams to measure the amount of mineral mass in the bone or bones. The goal of this study is to assess the mineral content of the bones and rule out diseases such as osteoporosis.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 78351 is: ‘Bone density (bone mineral content) study, 1 or more sites; dual photon absorptiometry, 1 or more sites.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider uses dual photon absorptiometry, which involves passing two distinct energy photon beams through the bone and soft tissue at one or more sites in the body.
2. The soft tissue absorbs more radiation from one beam, while the bone absorbs more radiation from the other beam.
3. The provider allows these beams to fall on the detector and determines the amount of mineral in the bone by subtracting the soft tissue component.
4. The procedure can be performed at various sites in the body, such as the forearm, finger, or heel.
5. The goal is to measure the bone mineral density and assess the strength of the bones.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 78351 is used for patients who require a bone density study to assess their bone mineral density. This procedure is typically performed to rule out diseases such as osteoporosis. There are no specific qualifying circumstances mentioned for this code.

5. When to use CPT code 78351

CPT code 78351 should be used when a bone density study is performed using dual photon absorptiometry. This code is appropriate when the provider measures the bone mineral density at one or more sites using this specific technique.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 78351, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Indication for the bone density study
• Specific sites where the study was performed
• Date of the procedure
• Results of the bone density study
• Any additional relevant information or findings

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 78351, ensure that the procedure performed is a bone density study using dual photon absorptiometry. There are no specific billing guidelines mentioned for this code.

8. Historical information

CPT 78351 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code was later revised on January 1, 2009 to include the description of ‘one or more sites’ for both the bone density study and dual photon absorptiometry.

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoes a bone density study using dual photon absorptiometry at the forearm to assess their bone mineral density.
2. A healthcare provider performs a bone density study using dual photon absorptiometry at the finger to evaluate the patient’s bone health.
3. A bone density study using dual photon absorptiometry is conducted at the heel to measure the bone mineral density of a patient.
4. A provider performs a bone density study using dual photon absorptiometry at multiple sites, including the forearm and finger, to assess the patient’s bone health.
5. A patient undergoes a bone density study using dual photon absorptiometry at the forearm to evaluate their bone mineral density and rule out osteoporosis.
6. A healthcare provider performs a bone density study using dual photon absorptiometry at the finger to assess the patient’s bone health and determine their risk of fractures.
7. A bone density study using dual photon absorptiometry is conducted at the heel to measure the bone mineral density of a patient and assess their bone strength.
8. A provider performs a bone density study using dual photon absorptiometry at multiple sites, including the forearm and finger, to evaluate the patient’s bone health and determine their risk of osteoporosis.
9. A patient undergoes a bone density study using dual photon absorptiometry at the forearm to assess their bone mineral density and guide treatment decisions.
10. A healthcare provider performs a bone density study using dual photon absorptiometry at the finger to evaluate the patient’s bone health and provide recommendations for preventive measures.