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This code reports dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) for a bone density study, which is a crucial diagnostic tool in assessing bone health. The procedure measures bone mass or bone mineral density (BMD) to diagnose bone diseases, evaluate the progression of these diseases, or monitor treatment outcomes, particularly in patients with osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a condition that significantly increases the risk of fractures due to decreased bone density. The DXA scan is notable for its low radiation exposure, approximately 1/30th of that of a standard chest X-ray, making it a safe option for patients. During the DXA procedure, two X-ray beams of differing energy levels are directed at the bones in alternating pulses. This technique allows for the subtraction of soft tissue absorption, enabling a precise measurement of BMD based on the bone's absorption of each beam in the scanned area. The results of the DXA scan are then compared to a reference standard, which is the average bone density of a same-sex individual at the age of 30, as this age represents the peak bone mass for both males and females. The difference between the measured BMD and this standard is expressed as the T score. A T score ranging from -1.0 to -2.4 indicates osteopenia, a condition where bone density is lower than normal but not low enough to be classified as osteoporosis. Conversely, a T score of -2.5 or lower confirms a diagnosis of osteoporosis. This code, 77085, is specifically utilized when assessing one or more sites of the axial skeleton, including the pelvis, hips, or spine, and includes a detailed evaluation of the spinal vertebrae for any signs of vertebral fractures.
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The dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) procedure is indicated for the following conditions:
The DXA procedure involves several key steps to ensure accurate measurement of bone mineral density:
After the DXA scan, patients can typically resume their normal activities immediately, as the procedure is non-invasive and involves minimal discomfort. The results of the scan are usually available shortly after the procedure, and healthcare providers will discuss the findings with the patient. If the T score indicates osteopenia or osteoporosis, further evaluation and treatment options may be recommended to address the patient's bone health. Regular follow-up scans may be scheduled to monitor changes in bone density over time, especially for patients undergoing treatment for bone diseases.
| Short Descr | DXA BONE DENSITY AXL VRT FX | Medium Descr | DXA BONE DENSITY STD 1/> AXL SKEL W/VRT FX ASSMT | Long Descr | Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), bone density study, 1 or more sites; axial skeleton (eg, hips, pelvis, spine), including vertebral fracture assessment | 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) | 0 - 150% 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. | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | I2D - Advanced imaging - MRI/MRA: other | MUE | 1 |
| 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. | GA | Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case | X5 | Diagnostic services requested by another clinician: for reporting services by a clinician who furnishes care to the patient only as requested by another clinician or subsequent and related services requested by another clinician; this modifier is reported for patient relationships that may not be adequately captured by the above alternative categories; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the radiologist's interpretation of an imaging study requested by another clinician | 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 | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | 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. | XU | Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service | XS | Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure | GZ | Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary | Q6 | Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area | XE | Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter | 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). | 76 | Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service. | AQ | Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa) | CC | Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed) | CR | Catastrophe/disaster related | FY | X-ray taken using computed radiography technology/cassette-based imaging | GV | Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider | GW | Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition | GX | Notice of liability issued, voluntary under payer policy | 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) | PD | Diagnostic or related non diagnostic item or service provided in a wholly owned or operated entity to a patient who is admitted as an inpatient within 3 days | PN | Non-excepted service provided at an off-campus, outpatient, provider-based department of a hospital | Q1 | Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study | RT | Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body) | SA | Nurse practitioner rendering service in collaboration with a physician |
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| 2025-01-01 | Changed | Short and Medium Descriptions changed. |
| 2015-01-01 | Added | Added |
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