Pediatric Coding Alert
Rib X-Ray? Choose 71100 Instead of 71020
Question: We typically report CPT 71020 for two-view rib x-rays. An auditor we hired said that this is incorrect. What are we doing wrong? Answers to You Be the Coder and Reader Questions were reviewed by Richard H. Tuck, MD, FAAP, a pediatrician at PrimeCare of Southeastern Ohio; and Victoria S. Jackson, executive director of JCM Incorporated in Ladera Ranch, Calif.
Arizona Subscriber
Answer: You should not report 71020 (Radiologic examination, chest, two views, frontal and lateral) in this case because CPT includes several, more specific rib x-ray codes. Your best bet is to report 71100 (Radiologic examination, ribs, unilateral; two views) for a two-view rib x-ray.
Although the ribs and chest encompass the same portion of the body, they are distinct procedures.
You'll often report a chest x-ray code when you assess soft-tissue structures within the rib cage for conditions such as bacterial pneumonia (482.x).
You'll report the rib x-ray codes (71100-71111) if you study the bony structures for conditions such as trauma (for instance, a fracture suffered in a car accident [807.0x, Fracture of ribs, closed]) or intractable rib pain.
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Rib X-Ray? Choose 71100 Instead of 71020
Question: We typically report CPT 71020 for two-view rib x-rays. An auditor we [...]
