Orthopedic Coding Alert

Question: How should I report a long leg x-ray that included films of the hip, knee, ankle and foot? Our physician suggested 73592, but it doesnt seem right.

South Carolina Subscriber

 

Answer: You didnt state your patients age, so 73592 (Radiologic examination; lower extremity, infant, minimum of two views) may be appropriate, but only if the patient is an infant. 
 
Because you reference the hip, knee and ankle, which are joints, as well as the foot, which includes joints, its possible that the physician ordered a joint survey. Double-check the radiology orders, and if the physician ordered a joint survey, you should report 76066 (Joint survey, single view, two or more joints [specify]).
 
If the patient is not an infant and the orthopedist did not order a joint survey, but ordered a long leg x-ray instead, you should report 76499 (Unlisted diagnostic radiographic procedure). Send a copy of the chart notes with your claim to demonstrate exactly what the physician ordered and what the radiology technician performed. 
 

You Be the Coder and Reader Questions were reviewed by Heidi Stout, CPC, CCS-P, coding and reimbursement manager at University Orthopaedic Associates in New Brunswick, N.J.