CPT® Code 70240

The CPT® Code 70240 refers to a radiologic examination specifically targeting the sella turcica, which is a critical anatomical structure located in the middle of the skull base. The sella turcica is a saddle-shaped depression in the upper surface of the sphenoid bone, serving as the housing for the pituitary gland. This examination utilizes X-ray imaging, a technique that employs indirect ionizing radiation to create images of the internal structures of the body. X-rays are particularly effective in visualizing non-uniform materials, such as human tissue, due to the varying densities and compositions of these materials. As X-rays pass through the body, some are absorbed while others continue through and are captured on a detector, resulting in a two-dimensional image that reveals the anatomical details of the sella turcica. The physician carefully reviews these images to identify any pathological changes or abnormalities within this region, which may indicate various medical conditions affecting the pituitary gland or surrounding structures.