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Radiology Coding Alert

Reader Questions:

Don't Reduce Amputee CT Fee

Published on Sun Feb 11, 2007

Question: Should we append modifier 52 to an extremity CT scan for a patient with a partially amputated lower leg? Wisconsin Subscriber Answer: CPT doesn't include any codes for an amputated-limb CT, but you shouldn't append modifier 52 (Reduced services) to 73700 (Computed tomography, lower extremity; without contrast material) for this kind of examination. Reason: You're limited by a surgical abnormality rather than by the physician's choice to reduce the exam. As long as the radiologist completes an examination of the body part as presented, consider the examination to be complete, rather than limited.
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