Radiology Coding Alert
Distinguish Between Plain and Digital X-rays
Question: From a coding stand point, is there a distinction between plain film and digital X-ray of the knee?
New Jersey Subscriber
Answer: CPT® does not differentiate plain films and digital X-rays. You will find a number of diagnostic plain film views of the knees with several names and positions. You needn’t keep focus on the type of views, though it is helpful to know the various views. According to CPT®, you need to specifically know the number of views; you do not need to identify the views by name. So it is important that you have your physician document the total number of views or keep a count on the views dictated by your physician. Depending upon the number of views, you report code 73560 (Radiologic examination, knee; 1 or 2 views), 73562 (Radiologic examination, knee; 3 views), 73564 (Radiologic examination, knee; complete, 4 or more views), or 73565 (Radiologic examination, knee; both knees, standing, anteroposterior). You may append modifier 26 (Professional component) for these studies if you are billing for only the professional component.
Radiology Coding Alert
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Distinguish Between Plain and Digital X-rays
Question: From a coding stand point, is there a distinction between plain film and digital X-ray [...]
