Primary Care Coding Alert

You Be the Coder:

Coding Advice for F1-F9

Published on Thu Apr 05, 2012

Question: I've seen conflicting advice on whether to use finger and toe modifiers with radiology codes. What's your advice?

Wisconsin Subscriber

Answer: In a Q&A updated July 19, 2011, CMS indicates that the finger and toe modifiers do apply to radiology codes, specifically 73140 (Radiologic examination, finger[s], minimum of 2 views) and 73660 (Radiologic examination; toe[s], minimum of 2 views). (Find the Q&A by searching the Answer ID, 2387, at https://questions.cms.hhs.gov/app/home and then clicking on the link to the question when it appears).

However, some coders have indicated that they receive "improper modifier" notes when using the finger and toe modifiers with those precise codes.

Smart move: Get your payer's preference in writing, and follow those guidelines when you decide whether to use the finger (F1-F9, FA) and toe (T1-T9, TA) modifiers with radiology codes.

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