Orthopedic Coding Alert

Find out whether you’re a shoulder-view ace with question 2.

Diagnostic imaging is the fastest growing segment of Medicare spending on physicians- services -- which means you know CMS is watching. Use this quiz to be sure your coding’s up to snuff for typical orthopedic x-ray scenarios.

1. True or False: Use modifier 50 (Bilateral procedure) on all bilateral x-ray claims.

2. For three shoulder views, should you report 73020-59 (one view) and 73030 (two views minimum)?

3. Patient X sees the orthopedic surgeon for the first time. Last year, a physician in your group interpreted the patient’s x-ray. Can you still consider the patient “new” for the orthopedist’s E/M service?

Next step: Turn to page 12 to check your answers.