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Radiology Coding Alert

Reader Questions:

Leave Finger Modifiers Off Radiology Claims

Published on Fri Apr 13, 2007

Question: Can I use finger and toe modifiers with 73140 and 73660?

Wisconsin Subscriber Answer: You should not use finger and toe modifiers with these codes unless your payer tells you otherwise.

The finger (F1-F9, FA) and toe (T1-T9, TA) modifiers are intended for use with non-radiographic surgical codes rather than 73140 (Radiologic examination, finger[s], minimum of two views) and 73660 (Radiologic examination; toe[s], minimum of two views).

Another clue that you don't need to append the finger and toe modifiers to these codes is that each covers single or multiple digits, by referring to "finger(s)" and "toe(s)." Example: Code 73140 covers "finger(s)," meaning that you report this code whether the finger x-ray is of one finger or more. Adding multiple finger modifiers won't increase your reimbursement.
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