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A radiologic examination, specifically CPT® Code 73592, refers to the imaging of the lower extremities in infants, which includes a minimum of two views. This procedure primarily focuses on the tibia and fibula, the two long bones located in the lower leg. The examination may also encompass the knee and ankle joints, providing a comprehensive view of the distal lower extremities. X-ray imaging employs indirect ionizing radiation to create images of the internal structures of the body. The principle behind X-ray imaging is based on the varying densities and compositions of human tissues, which allow certain X-rays to be absorbed while others pass through. This differential absorption results in a two-dimensional representation of the bones and surrounding tissues on a detector. The primary purpose of conducting X-rays of the tibia and fibula is to investigate potential causes of symptoms such as pain, limping, or swelling. Additionally, these radiographs are instrumental in diagnosing various conditions, including fractures, dislocations, deformities, degenerative diseases, osteomyelitis, arthritis, foreign bodies, and the presence of cysts or tumors. Furthermore, X-rays of the tibia and fibula are utilized to assess the alignment of lower extremity bones following treatment for fractures, ensuring that healing is progressing correctly. The standard views captured during this examination include the anteroposterior (AP) view, which is taken from front to back, and the lateral view, which is taken from the side. It is important to note that CPT® Code 73592 is specifically designated for X-ray examinations of the lower extremities in infants, typically defined as individuals aged 30 days to 24 months, and requires at least two views to be included in the study.
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The radiologic examination represented by CPT® Code 73592 is indicated for various clinical scenarios involving infants. The following conditions or symptoms may warrant this procedure:
The procedure for CPT® Code 73592 involves several key steps to ensure accurate imaging of the lower extremities in infants. The following outlines the procedural steps:
Post-procedure care for infants following a radiologic examination of the lower extremities typically involves minimal intervention. The infant can usually resume normal activities immediately after the X-ray, as there are no invasive components to the procedure. However, parents or guardians may be advised to monitor the infant for any signs of discomfort or unusual behavior following the examination. The results of the X-ray will be interpreted by a radiologist, and the findings will be communicated to the referring physician, who will discuss any necessary follow-up actions or treatments based on the results. It is essential for caregivers to keep any follow-up appointments to ensure that any identified issues are addressed promptly.
| Short Descr | X-RAY EXAM OF LEG INFANT | Medium Descr | RADEX LOWER EXTREMITY INFANT MINIMUM 2 VIEWS | Long Descr | Radiologic examination; lower extremity, infant, minimum of 2 views | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 1 - Diagnostic Tests for Radiology Services | Multiple Procedures (51) | 0 - No payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 3 - The usual payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does not apply. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 0 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure... | Co-Surgeons (62) | 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Team Surgery (66) | 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | APC Status Indicator | STV-Packaged Codes | ASC Payment Indicator | Packaged service/item; no separate payment made. | Type of Service (TOS) | 4 - Diagnostic Radiology | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | I1B - Standard imaging - musculoskeletal | MUE | 2 | CCS Clinical Classification | 226 - Other diagnostic radiology and related techniques |
| 26 | Professional component: certain procedures are a combination of a physician or other qualified health care professional component and a technical component. when the physician or other qualified health care professional component is reported separately, the service may be identified by adding modifier 26 to the usual procedure number. | 50 | Bilateral procedure: unless otherwise identified in the listings, bilateral procedures that are performed at the same session, should be identified by adding modifier 50 to the appropriate 5 digit code. note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d). | 52 | Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use). | 59 | Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25. | FY | X-ray taken using computed radiography technology/cassette-based imaging | GY | Item or service statutorily excluded, does not meet the definition of any medicare benefit or, for non-medicare insurers, is not a contract benefit | LT | Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body) | RT | Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body) | TC | Technical component; under certain circumstances, a charge may be made for the technical component alone; under those circumstances the technical component charge is identified by adding modifier 'tc' to the usual procedure number; technical component charges are institutional charges and not billed separately by physicians; however, portable x-ray suppliers only bill for technical component and should utilize modifier tc; the charge data from portable x-ray suppliers will then be used to build customary and prevailing profiles | XU | Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service |
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| 2011-01-01 | Changed | Short description changed. |
| 2009-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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