Radiology Coding Alert

Reader Question:

F1-F9 Advice Varies

Published on Thu Jan 06, 2011

Question: I've seen conflicting advice on whether to use finger and toe modifiers with radiology codes. Can you address this?

Wisconsin Subscriber

Answer: In a Q&A updated July 19, 2011, CMS indicates that the finger and toe modifiers do apply to radiology codes, specifically 73140 (Radiologic examination, finger[s], minimum of 2 views) and 73660 (Radiologic examination; toe[s], minimum of 2 views). (Find the Q&A by searching the Answer ID, 2387, at https://questions.cms.hhs.gov/app/home and then clicking on the link to the question when it appears).

However, some coders have indicated that they receive "improper modifier" notes when using the finger and toe modifiers with those precise codes.

Smart move: Get your payer's preference in writing, and follow those guidelines when you decide whether to use the finger (F1-F9, FA) and toe (T1-T9, TA) modifiers with radiology codes.

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