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Radiology Coding Alert

Reader Question:

CT for Amputee May Not Warrant -52

Published on Tue Nov 25, 2003

Question: We performed an extremity CT scan without contrast for a patient whose lower leg was partially amputated. CPT Codes does not include any codes for CT of an amputated limb, so should we append modifier  -52 to 73700?

Wisconsin Subscriber Answer: It is not necessary or appropriate to append modifier -52 (Reduced services) to an examination that is limited secondary to a surgical or other deformity.  As long as a complete examination of the body part as presented is done, the examination is a complete, not a limited, examination. You should therefore report 73700 (Computed tomography, lower extremity; without contrast material) without any modifiers.
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