Radiology Coding Alert

Question: How should I code three views of the same shoulder and a single-view of the AC joint on the same side?

Wyoming Subscriber

Answer: You should report 73030 (Radiologic examination, shoulder; complete, minimum of 2 views) for the three views of the same shoulder.

To report the unilateral acromioclavicular (AC) joint X-ray, append modifier 52 (Reduced services) to 73050 (Radiologic examination; acromioclavicular joints, bilateral, with or without weighted distraction). Modifier 52 is necessary to indicate that the provider didn’t perform the full bilateral service described in the code.