Radiology Coding Alert

Question: Can I report a CT scanogram with CPT 73700 -52 or do I have to use 76040?


Washington Subscriber

Answer: Unless you have specific documentation from your payer that 73700-52 is appropriate for reporting a CT scanogram, 76040 is still your best option.

If you look in your CPT index under scanogram, you'll see code 76040 (Bone length studies [orthoroentgenogram, scanogram]). You traditionally use this code for an x-ray scanogram. If your payer agrees to 73700 (Computed tomography, lower extremity; without contrast material) for a CT scanogram, you may want to add modifier -52 (Reduced services).

Caution: Code 76040 is inherently bilateral, so only report the code one time even if you scan both legs.

Reason: This code applies to all bones studied.

Medicare considers 73700 to be bilateral, as well, but private payers vary.

Example: Your documentation shows a study to determine bone length in both lower extremities. Code just once for the study from the feet to the hip joints. If the study also evaluates the pelvis and pelvic tilt, you still only report the code once for a study of the lower extremities through the lumbar-pelvic junction.

Exception: If your documentation shows a diagnostic study of the spine in addition to the full pelvis and along with the bone length study, code the spine study separately from the scanogram.