Radiology Coding Alert

Question: I understand that CPT 73050 reads,"with or without weighted distraction." When we perform this joint x-ray both with and without weights, should we bill 73050 twice, and if so, should we attach a modifier?

Tennessee Subscriber

Answer: You should report 73050 (Radiologic examination; acromioclavicular joints, bilateral, with or without weighted distraction) only once, even if you take the films both with and without weights.

Often, radiology technologists take a joint view without weights, followed by a view with weights. This still constitutes the two views required of 73050, so you should not append any modifiers.