Radiology Coding Alert

Question: What is a complete radiological examination of the skull? How can we report a complete examination of the skull?

Rhode Island Subscriber

Answer: Complete radiological examination of the skull needs a minimum of 4 views. You report code 70260 (Radiologic examination, skull; complete, minimum of 4 views) for a complete skull examination. The radiological views include anteroposterior (front to back), posteroanterior (back to front), inferior views, and lateral views/projections.

Keeping track of views is key to proper X-ray coding. If your physician obtains less than 4 views on skull X-ray, you report code 70250 (Radiologic examination, skull; less than 4 views). To choose the proper code, you should add all the views performed for the skull and then decide a code. Example, when your radiologist interprets a two-view skull X-ray and then later the same day interprets a single-view skull X-ray, you report code 70250