CPT® Code 70360

The CPT® Code 70360 refers to a radiologic examination specifically targeting the soft tissue of the neck. This procedure involves the use of X-ray technology, which employs indirect ionizing radiation to create images of the internal structures of the body. The fundamental principle behind X-ray imaging is the differential absorption of radiation by various tissues, which have different densities and compositions. As a result, some X-rays are absorbed by denser materials, while others pass through less dense tissues, allowing for the formation of a two-dimensional image on a detector positioned behind the area being examined. In the case of the neck, both frontal and lateral views may be captured to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the soft tissue structures. The resulting radiographs are then analyzed by a physician, who looks for signs of asymmetry or enlargement on either side of the neck, assesses the caliber and contour of the trachea, and identifies any soft tissue swelling that may affect critical anatomical components such as the adenoids, tonsils, epiglottis, or aryepiglottic folds. This examination is crucial for diagnosing various conditions affecting the neck's soft tissues.