Radiology Coding Alert

Question: In a patient with head trauma, our physician obtained X-rays of the mandible. How can we code for this imaging?

Alabama Subscriber

Answer: For X-rays of the mandible, you choose the right code depending upon the partial or complete radiological assessment. You accordingly, choose from the following codes:

• 70100, Radiologic examination, mandible; partial, less than 4 views
• 70110, Radiologic examination, mandible; complete, minimum of 4 views.

Partial vs. complete: Less than 4 views on X-rays implies a partial radiological assessment whereas 4 or more views implies a complete assessment. If your physician suspects an isolated mandibular fracture, the typical X-ray views will include the posteroanterior (PA) view, a Towne view (anteroposterior [AP] axial view), and bilateral oblique views. However, your physician may include some more views to obtain better definition of the fracture. Some examples of these specific views include the Waters (occipitomental view), periapical, or basal (submentovertex view).