Radiology Coding Alert
Avoid Units When CPT Lists Views
Question: What is the number of views the physician must take to bill CPT 73620 and 73630? And should I be billing for the number of units taken? The answers for You Be the Coder and Reader Questions were reviewed by Cindy C. Parman, CPC, CPC-H, RCC, co-owner of Coding Strategies Inc. in Powder Springs, Ga.; and Gary S. Dorfman, MD, FACR, FSIR.
Illinois Subscriber
Answer: As stated in the codes, 73620 (Radiologic examination, foot; two views) requires a minimum of two views of the foot, while 73630 (...complete, minimum of three views) requires a minimum of three views.
You should not be billing the number of views taken as the units taken - that is incorrect. You should select your x-ray code based on the number of views taken and report it as only one unit.
For example, if your practice x-rays both feet with three views of each foot, your payer may ask you to report each x-ray on a separate line, appending -LT and -RT appropriately (73630-LT, 73630-RT).
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Avoid Units When CPT Lists Views
Question: What is the number of views the physician must take to bill CPT [...]
